Best Stuart Downie Podcasts (2025)

1
Never Mind the Previews | 18 34:10

Play Pause

16d ago34:10

34:10

We don’t do Tour previews here on DNF, but we do still talk a little bit about the very big bike race that’s about to happen in France as Cillian brings a Grand Tour champion-related stat. Our resident statto is hard at work prepping for his debut as the official numbers man for his corporate overlords this July, while Harry is very nervous that he…

1
The Lance Armstrong of Dogs | 17 48:52

22d ago48:52

48:52

This episode starts with Cillian telling a true shaggy dog story before presenting our stat of the week: a neat little number about Geraint Thomas at the Tour de France. The boys discuss the Welshman’s incredible longevity and versatility, Cillian challenges Harry and Stu to a quiz, and there is the usual excellent correspondence from our brilliant…

1
The Middle is the Bottom | 16 53:08

28d ago53:08

53:08

It’s a big, somewhat wobbly step away from the usual format this week on DNF as Cillian decides to bring ALL of his Dauphine stats to the table in one go. We discover how long it’s been since a French rider won a World Tour stage race (answer: a very long time) and who the youngest rider ever to finish the Dauphine was – and he also finished in the…

1
The Holy Moly Trinity | 15 45:01

1M ago45:01

45:01

Pog. Ving. Remco. Cycling's 'Holy Moly' trinity are racing together this week at the Dauphiné - a real rarity as Cillian's stat reveals. We discuss whether they should compete against each other more or not, which one of them is our favourite, why Ving doesn't do the monument classics, does anyone care about 'One Cycling' or not, and much more. The…

1
Grand expectations | 14 47:13

2M ago47:13

47:13

As we settle in for a rip-roaring final week at the Giro, Cillian uses the magic of stats to ask the question: "What makes a great grand tour?" Harry tells some disappointing (for him, at least) stories about spending a few days with Jasper Philipsen last week, the group debate the merits of time trials (boring!) before pondering whether the first …

1
Where have all the Italians gone? | 13 46:59

2M ago46:59

46:59

It’s lucky no. 13 for DNF as the boys discuss why Italy hasn’t had a good GC rider since Vincenzo Nibali in the latest episode. Harry tells us about the Shark’s enviable Lego collection while Cillian reveals a life in gambling before the trio debate the merits of gravel stages in grand tours (the argument is one-sided–we love them).…

1
Sloppy Seconds | 12 38:17

2M ago38:17

38:17

After a week off, the DNF trio are back and firing to preview the Giro (sort of). In this episode, we discuss why Giro winners never return to defend their title, Cillian is dethroned as the king of the funky penis, Harry has continued problems with bonking, and Stuart recalls being on the mountain when Tom Dumoulin almost sh*t his bibs.…

1
A$AP Retire | 11 47:59

3M ago47:59

47:59

In this week’s episode, Cillian brings an entirely un-topical stat to the table – one relating to Chris Froome’s never-ending pre-retirement tour – but the boys have a merry old time discussing it anyway. There’s talk of Andy Schleck’s boyish charm, tarnishing your reputation for cash, more superb listener emails, and tall tales from La Redoute to …

1
Ridin' Solo | 10 38:48

3M ago38:48

38:48

Double digits for DNF and a triple for MVDP, what a weekend in cycling. The best UK cycling podcast (verified) returns to unpick a topical statistic. Harry knocks off a Belgian's triple (think baker's dozen) of heady blondes, Stu sees unseasonable Scottish weather, and Cillian has his aunties round for tea before getting into the meat and potatoes …

1
Tripel Threat | 09 32:08

3M ago32:08

32:08

In episode 09 of DNF Harry is in a campervan somewhere between Ghent and Oudenaarde having just witnessed not one but two rainbow winners at De Ronde, and a few more besides. Rainbows abound! Magic. After briefly basking in tales of watching racing and going roadside, Cillian regales the fellas with a topical week's stat – a triple rainbow on the p…

1
Everything but the Tour | 08 38:19

4M ago38:19

38:19

For episode 08 of DNF, we join together to celebrate the life and rides of Primož Roglič—the greatest stage racer to never win the big one. Cillian, Harry and Stu discuss whether we care about the ‘other’ jerseys in a race, Wout van Aert’s demise as a race animator, and the numbers on your toaster. Cillian then has a radical plan to make racing mor…

1
La Classicissimaarrghhh! | 07 49:51

4M ago49:51

49:51

Why do so many riders obsess over Milan-San Remo? And who have got the closest the most times without winning? After a barnstorming Saturday of San Remos, with both the men and women serving up a gourmet feast of tasty racing, Cillian, Harry and Stu talk through what makes La Classicissima so fantastic for so many reasons. There’s also a homage to …

1
Ireland’s Sun King | 06 41:36

4M ago41:36

41:36

It’s the week of Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice in bicycle racing, and our factmaster Cillian brings a stat about his legendary compatriot and namesake Sean’s success at weeklong stage races. We also talk Strade Bianche, Demi Vollering as a great new cycling villain, and whether Pidcock should have stuck the knife in, before finishing up with a c…

1
Do you want Muur?!!!??! | 05 33:47

4M ago33:47

33:47

This week’s stat is a cobbled classic all-timer: no male rider has ever won Omloop Niewsblad and the Tour of Flanders in the same year. Our hosts Cillian, Harry and Stu discuss why that might be, as well as reviewing the racing from ‘Openingsweekend’. Finally, real racing is back: Do you want Muur?!!!??! (yes, please).…

1
Rainbow Masters | 04 35:40

5M ago35:40

35:40

Multi-discipline masters are the subject of the latest episode of DNF – who are the greatest cycling unicorns, and why did so many of them ride for Team Sky? Cillian, Harry and Stu are back after a week away, sat astride a horse galloping onwards in the pursuit of cycling knowledge, with a saddlebag crammed with stats!…

1
Off to a Flyer | 03 36:16

5M ago36:16

36:16

While the Warner Bros. Discovery decision continues to send sizeable ripples, the trio unpack a fact that has its own repercussions through not just the year but entire cycling careers. Ready for lift off?

1
Wallets Bled Dry | 02 35:55

5M ago35:55

35:55

Warner's Brutal Decision… Wrecked Broadcast Direction… Whoops! Bicycling Dead… You see where we’re going with this one. In episode 02 of DNF, we discuss the shattering news of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) hiking up the price to watch cycling in the UK and Ireland from £6.99 a month to £30.99 – what a bunch of corporate b*stards! Or is it that bad? …

1
Spinning the Truth | 01 37:54

6M ago37:54

37:54

An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman start a podcast about cycling… In the first episode of Did Not Finish (DNF), Harry, Cillian and Stu debate why there have been so few rainbow jersey winners down under, tell stories about the curse of said jersey, and discuss their favourite Aussie riders ever. There’s also talk of Alberto Bettiol eating je…

1
RACE RADIO – 017. Harry & Stu – OveRR and Out 27:10

6M ago27:10

27:10

An episode about resolutions, shit brothers, signing to Life in the Peloton and moving in with Mitch Docker, and a double helping of fresh, hot news. Dig in!

1
The Impact of Alcohol on the Gut Microbiome: Andrew Day 1:14:12

8M ago1:14:12

1:14:12

Can drinking alcohol impact our gut health? It sure can. Since our gut health is so crucial for our overall health, this episode focuses on the connection between alcohol consumption and the microbial component of our gut health, the gut microbiome. In this episode, I spoke with microbiology researcher Andrew Day about how alcohol disrupts the gut …

1
RACE RADIO – 016. Cillian Kelly – The Doctor Will See You Now 1:05:54

8M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

Buckle up, it's a bumper edition. Harry & Stu welcome a bona fide pro cycling expert for Stage 16, none other than Cillian Kelly – that's doctor to you – sky-rocketing the show's pro cycling credentials. An hour-long chat about the good doctor's history – reaching back to the good old days of VHS – into the present day and beyond, we get to the sof…

1
Science-Backed Approaches to Gut Health: Kristina Campbell 1:15:03

9M ago1:15:03

1:15:03

Gut health has become a major topic in wellness, influencing everything from grocery choices to discussions on social media. Research increasingly shows the gut microbiome’s role in digestion, immunity, and even mood. But with so much information available, it’s hard to separate science from trend. In this episode, I talk with Kristina Campbell, a …

1
RACE RADIO – 015. Harry & Stu – Accidental Hiatus 30:20

9M ago30:20

30:20

In Stage 15 of acclaimed pro cycling podcast Race Radio, Harry and Stu individually/together (what's the difference?) address rumours surrounding their slightly extended absence, bake a banana bread, confuse races, consider Wout van Aert's singing voice, get to grips with ultra, regale one another with stories from the fringes of cycling, and debat…

1
How Microbes Are Useful in Agriculture: Dr. Barry Goldman 53:40

10M ago53:40

53:40

Have you ever stopped to think about the teeming world hidden beneath your feet? It's not just dirt down there; it's a vibrant ecosystem teeming with microbes! These unseen organisms play a critical role in our daily lives, impacting everything from the food we eat to the air we breathe. In this episode, we'll delve into the fascinating world of so…

1
RACE RADIO – 014. Harry & Stu – Definitely, Maybe 57:33

11M ago57:33

57:33

In which Harry and Stu practically pick up where they left off, Stu has the remnants of a late summer cold, Harry talks about life behind bars before recounting an outrageous dinner party outcome with a former pro cyclist of some repute (the two are not related), the most winning bikes of the world tour from a position of little authority and curso…

1
Coloring the Microbial World: Drs. Sarah Wettstadt and Noémie Matthey 44:57

11M ago44:57

44:57

Coloring books aren't just for kids anymore. In fact, one unique coloring book is bringing the fascinating world of bacteria to life for all ages. In this Joyful Microbe podcast episode, we’re exploring "Coloured Bacteria from A to Z" with the scientists behind this delightful educational resource. Whether you're a parent looking to spark your chil…

1
RACE RADIO – ˙ƐƖ Harry & Stu – Gold Rush 33:30

11M ago33:30

33:30

In which we allow ourselves to be caught up in Olympic fever (no rule 40 here), celebrate a raging Remco, remember Pauline's camper, lick the stamp/inside of Tom Pidcock's mouth, races with bikes but no cyclists, tentatively test the timbre, get briefly (very briefly) excited about track, consider vomiting in sports, leading nicely to a special cha…

1
Making Microscopy Accessible with Foldscope: Holly Stuart 1:09:45

12M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

Understanding microbes is an essential part of appreciating the natural world and our environment. But exploring microbiology using a traditional microscope comes with the potential barriers of cost and complexity, sometimes preventing hands-on learning experiences in schools and communities. Imagine having the power to explore the microscopic worl…

1
RACE RADIO – 012. Harry & Stu – Tour is Over (If You Want It) 39:58

12M ago39:58

39:58

In which a weary traveler returns to correct some French, before commencing an earnest discussion on the following subjects: winning, alternative uses for the humble pannier, Lachlan Morton's emerald slippers have a BOA strap(?), Dickie Carapaz slips that Yates brother(s) like a turn on the front, Biniam Girmay gets an impromptu beat, Derek Gee's G…

1
RACE RADIO – 011. Harry & Stu – Le Tour: The Week That Was 35:40

1y ago35:40

35:40

In which we talk – more or less chronologically – about the first week of the 111th Tour de France, which has (mild spoiler alert) been really rather good. Including but not limited to: Sean Kelly's dulcet tones, playing Playstation in a van, bag of sick, Cillian Kelly corrects us, DSM's work experience boy, we get the Galibier, our 'we met Mark Ca…

1
Degrading Plastic Through the Power of Microbes: Angie Beckett 51:16

1y ago51:16

51:16

Plastic waste in our oceans is a significant problem, but some bacteria might offer a solution. Did you know that certain bacteria can break down plastic? Plastic pollution affects wildlife and can even enter our food and water. As plastic production increases, finding better ways to manage this material is essential. Current recycling methods are …

1
RACE RADIO – 010. Harry & Stu – Race Radio, ready and raring for a frenzy in Firenze 36:07

1y ago36:07

36:07

In this episode we talk about real American heroes, Ben O'Connor has a strop for show in that Netflix doco, great commentators (Steve Chainel, we're looking at you), villainous villains, the worst (on paper) teams and riders at the Tour de France, young studs on show, Bradley Wiggins declares bankruptcy, the second or third or fourth coming of the …

1
RACE RADIO – 009. Zac Williams – From the Giro to the Gram, Fully Pogi Pilled 42:31

1y ago42:31

42:31

Another week, another pod, another guest. There's no stopping the Useless Postal content machine from cranking out cycling-adjacent substance. On this episode we’re delighted to talk turkey (other poultry also available) with Race Radio’s Motoman himself, none other than pro cycling photographer Zac Williams. We caught up with Zac fresh-ish from th…

1
RACE RADIO – 008. Tom Hopper – We're Not in Kansas Anymore 46:36

1y ago46:36

46:36

Lachlan Morton won UNBOUND Gravel on Saturday. But did you know he did it wearing a size small women’s aero helmet? And did you know he didn’t actually use the bladder pocket sewn into the back of his fancy new Rapha Project Blaero skinsuit, but shoved the bag down his front instead? And did you know that said bladder was actually filled with ice c…

1
RACE RADIO – 007. Harry & Stu – Ain't Nuthin' but a Giro Thang 26:53

1y ago26:53

26:53

Well that's actually not true, because in episode seven of Race Radio, brought to you by cycling content confectioners Useless Postal, we do also hear a little bit about a Classique ride that's just happened in Essex. But if the Giro thang is still tickling your fancy, we've got a whole host of amusing (we hope) awards, bad moustaches then and now,…

1
Lichen Basics: Dr. Jessica Allen 1:13:25

1y ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Have you ever noticed the colorful growths on trees and rocks but weren't sure what they were? Lichens are all around us yet often overlooked. They play important roles in ecosystems and can even indicate air quality. Many people don't fully understand these symbiotic organisms or appreciate their significance. In this episode, you'll learn about t…

1
RACE RADIO – 006. Harry & Stu – Long Lead Out Train Running Milan to Rome 32:02

1y ago32:02

32:02

The Race Radio train keeps on rumbling… Choo, choo! Speaking of, Harry and Stu obsess over the pink Giro train that rides alongside the peloton (if only this ‘Snowpiercer’ could have cleaned up the Stelvio for next week), discuss optimal rest day activities, compare Pog to renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci, delve into the bizarre ‘race’ within a ra…

1
RACE RADIO – 005. Harry & Stu – Four from Four at the Giro 47:28

1y ago47:28

47:28

It’s time for Episode 05 of Race Radio, in which the actual real life Filippo Ganna tells us what ice cream flavour he is, we discover Demi Vollering’s very corporate LinkedIn page, @alanma1984 leaves us a beautiful voice note, Harry sings another song (badly) while bragging about his 100% fantasy game predictions record, Stu reads some Pippo Pozza…

1
RACE RADIO – 004. Harry & Stu – Geed up for the Giro 35:35

1y ago35:35

35:35

Amore infinito is here. We talk about how great the Giro is, the prowess of Tadej Pogacar, can grand tours still be fun when the winner is a forgone conclusion, who is the new Derek Gee, what flavour of ice cream would Filippo Ganna be, when is the general classification not the general classification, wildcard kit reviews, fond memories of being w…

1
Plant Pathogen Lettuce Downy Mildew: Dr. Kelsey Wood 49:59

1y ago49:59

49:59

Have you ever noticed little white fluffy spots or yellowish patches on your lettuce at the grocery store? This could be downy mildew, a microbe that infects lettuce and other leafy greens. This microbe might not be well-known, but it's of great importance due to its effects on the agriculture industry and the food we buy. It poses a significant ch…

1
RACE RADIO – 003. Harry & Stu – Ardennes: Arise, Pidders 27:49

1y ago27:49

27:49

As Timbaland said in the intro of Aaliyah's Try Again, It's been a long time, we shouldn't have left you without a dope beat to step to. But worry not, we're back and talking about where we've been, the goings-on at the Ardennes, a few of its trends, Tom Pidcock's suit, Tadej Pogacar's leaving money on the table with a potential Henson Creature Sho…

1
RACE RADIO – 002. Harry & Stu – Roubaix 35:10

1+ y ago35:10

35:10

The boys are back for episode two of Race Radio with a punchy, pavé-tastic podcast on Paris-Roubaix. In the mail bag this week: Is domination boring? (yes)... Should MVDP mix up his finish line celebrations more? (yes)... Should riders celebrate minor placings more, as Pfeiffer Georgi did? (yes!). There’s also a terrifying tale of ghostly goats , a…

1
RACE RADIO – 001. Harry & Stu – We Are the ResuRRRection 42:12

1+ y ago42:12

42:12

‘Come in, Race Radio!’ 📻 Introducing a podcast that celebrates the weird, fun, sublime and stupid stuff that goes on in professional cycling. We talk silly weather at the classics, dubious podium fashion, nominate our not-so-serious awards for the coureurs of the cobbled races, get a dispatch from our ‘motoman’ at Flanders, photog Zac Williams, bef…

1
Safe Chicken Handling from Supermarket to Backyard: Dr. Andrea Etter 1:17:04

1+ y ago1:17:04

1:17:04

While many microbes bring benefits, pathogens are the focus when ensuring food safety. This episode dives into practical tips for enjoying chicken, whether you buy chicken or eggs from the store or raise your own chickens for eggs in your backyard. Join food safety expert Dr. Andrea Etter as she shares insights into preventing foodborne illnesses c…

1
The Skin Microbiome and Our Health: Dr. Aayushi Uberoi 51:13

1+ y ago51:13

51:13

Have you ever stopped to think about the bustling world of life thriving right on your skin? Billions of microscopic organisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome, call this complex ecosystem home, playing a vital role in our health. Many of us are unaware of the intricate dance between our skin and its microbial residents. This delicate bal…

1
The Gut Virome: Michael Shamash 48:53

1+ y ago48:53

48:53

Have you ever thought about the trillions of invisible, microscopic entities inhabiting your body right now? While much of the microbiome spotlight shines on bacteria, there's a hidden side to this story that many people overlook. In this podcast episode, we discuss the lesser-known residents of our microbiome: viruses. These tiny but potent entiti…

1
Sustainability Through Biodegradation: Jhonatan Hernandez Valdes 40:56

1+ y ago40:56

40:56

Are you curious about how microbes are involved in creating a more sustainable world? Those tiny, often-overlooked organisms hold a remarkable secret — the power to break down chemicals through biodegradation. Imagine a world where plastics and other challenging compounds, often seen as environmental villains, could be transformed into environmenta…

1
The Lab Coat Project: Dr. Derek Miller 51:33

2y ago51:33

51:33

Lab coats are an integral part of the world of microbiology, serving as a vital piece of personal protective equipment (PPE). When we envision a microbiologist at work wearing their crisp lab coat, we often associate it with professionalism and scientific rigor. However, the reality is that lab coats, while essential, don't always live up to expect…

1
Teaching High School Microbiology with Passion and Purpose: Clara Marcelín 1:08:57

2y ago1:08:57

1:08:57

Are you a science educator who wants to spark curiosity in your high school students with microbiology? In this world of information overload and digital distractions, capturing the attention of today's learners might seem like an uphill battle. That’s why, in this podcast episode, I chatted with Clara Marcelín, a seasoned high school science educa…

1
The Aromatic World of Microbes: Exploring the Delightful and Repulsive Smells 23:03

2y ago23:03

23:03

Have you ever caught a whiff of something and wondered, "What in the world is responsible for this?" Well, the world of microbes might hold the answer. These tiny organisms, invisible to the naked eye, have the remarkable ability to produce smells that range from delightful to downright repulsive. It's a world where the nose becomes a gateway to a …