VALDCAST
Welcome to VALDCAST, where health, performance and technology intersect.Join hosts Dylan Carmody and Ryan McLaughlin as they bring you exclusive insights from the world's most influential voices, exploring the data, technology and trends transforming the high-performance and health industries.Whether you're a coach, clinician, sports scientist or simply interested in health and performance technology, this is your go-to source for powerful insights and conversations you won’t find anywhere else. 📅 New episodes weekly🎧 Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform.
Nicol van Dyk - The Role of Normative Data in Injury Prevention

In this conversation with Dylan, Nicol van Dyk shares his extensive journey in sports medicine, highlighting his experiences at Aspetar and the evolution of technology in the field.
He discusses the importance of injury prevention, the role of normative data, and how to build comprehensive player profiles.
Nicol emphasizes the need for context in data interpretation and the significance of communication and collaboration among sports medicine professionals.
We also cover off insights on the future of data in sports medicine and the importance of curiosity and adaptability in the field.
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Shaun Owen - The science of recovery, from Rugby to Red Sox

In this episode, Shaun Owen shares his journey from South Africa to Boston, discussing his transition from rugby to baseball and the key differences in athlete training and recovery.
He emphasizes the importance of individualization in recovery strategies, the role of technology in sports science, and the understanding of fatigue in athletes.
Shaun also highlights the significance of building a multidisciplinary team and the future of innovation in sports science. Ryan hits Shaun with some quickfire questions at the end of the podcasts revealing his insights on the industry.
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ORKA Performance - Born from a love of training and performance

The growth journey of ORKA Performance is something special. In today's VALDCAST Ryan covers off the transition from practitioners to business owners and the importance of building a feedback culture.
The guys have navigated the complexities of rehab to performance transitions, And focus on the key components of building and maintaining a strong culture at ORKA, a performance-based rehab facility.
Taylor and Travis share their experiences, challenges, and insights on leadership, team dynamics, and the significance of athlete outcomes in their practice.
We cover off the importance of creating an environment where athletes ca...
Derek Hansen - The evolution of technology & coaching methodologies

Derek Hansen shares his extensive experience in sports science, where he focusses on timing systems, coaching methodologies, and the differences in athletic training between Canada and the USA.
We discusses the evolution of timing technology, the importance of understanding athlete performance metrics, and the challenges faced in professional sports, including injury prevention and management.
They also explore the differences in training environments between Canada and America, the work ethic of elite athletes, and the rise of Achilles injuries in the NFL.
🔗Connect with Derek Hansen on LinkedIn
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Matt Jordan - Embracing science. From asymmetries and squats to strength & conditioning

Matt Jordan, a pioneer in the adoption and implementation of force plate technology discusses his journey with force plates, emphasizing their significance in strength and conditioning.
He shares insights on how he transitioned from traditional training methods to a more scientific approach, utilizing force metrics to inform training decisions, especially in injury recovery.
The discussion highlights the importance of understanding biomechanics, the value of measuring performance, and the need for adaptability in training programs.
🔗Connect with Matt Jordan on LinkedIn
🎙️Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE
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Mick Hughes

In this episode of VALDCAST, we chat with Mick Hughes about his extensive experience in ACL rehabilitation, highlighting the evolution of management practices over the years.
He emphasizes the importance of data-informed decision-making in clinical practice, particularly in assessing quadricep strength and its impact on rehabilitation outcomes.
Mick and Dylan delve into the intricacies of ACL rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of tailored exercise programs, the role of calf strength and the impact of misinformation in the field.
They discuss the evolving landscape of rehabilitation practices, including the potential of virtual reality in enhancing...
Dr Alex Natera

Creator of Run-Specific Isometrics and Manager of Sports Science at NSWIS, Alexander Natera discusses the evolution of isometrics and overall strength in athletic testing and training. He shares insights on how his techniques originated, their effectiveness across various sports, and the nuances of implementing them for different athletic needs. Natera also reflects on the influence of technology and AI in sports science, emphasizing the importance of understanding the human body in training methodologies.
Key Takeaways
Run-specific isometrics originated from a need to train athletes who were resistant to traditional gym workouts.The application of isometrics varies...Dr Duncan French

Dr Duncan French, Senior VP at the UFC Performance Institute, breaks down the complexities of training the worlds best MMA fighters. He discusses the unique demands of MMA compared to other sports, the critical components of a successful training camp and the need for seamless collaboration between performance staff and coaches.
We dive into Duncan's thoughts on data-informed decision-making, athlete diagnostics and the challenges of quantifying training and competition load. Duncan also explores concussion management, the role of technology ain athlete monitoring and how tailored approaches based on weight class and injury trends can enhance fighter longevity.<...
Dr Ebonie Rio

Dr Ebonie Rio, renowned sports physiotherapist and leading tendon researcher, breaks down the complexities of tendon rehabilitation. She discusses the role of muscle activation, neuroplastic training and the central nervous system in recovery, as well as key considerations for load management, dynamic training readiness and tendon capacity.
We dive into Ebonie's approach to technology-enabled rehabilitation, including external pacing, feedback and force-trace assessment. Ebonie also explores strategies to make tendinopathy management more accessible and integrated for clinicians and athletes alike.
Key Takeaways:
Muscle activation and neuroplastic training are crucial in tendinopathy rehab.Utilization...Welcome to VALDCAST

What is VALDCAST?
Join hosts Dylan and Ryan as they introduce VALDCAST—where leading health and performance experts share real-world insights, transformative stories and how technology is shaping their practices.
🎙️ Connect with our hosts Ryan McLaughlin and Dylan Carmody
🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD Performance website