Educate to Elevate

In this episode of educate to elevate we recap season 2. Each of us share our highlights over the last 12 episodes and remind you of some key practical takeaways. We also provide a small preview in what to expect for season 3... We can't wait to get back together again soon, until then please make sure you reach out if you have any content you want to know more about!

In this follow up episode we dive into the recovery post event/ game. The first 24 hours post activity is key and there are some really simple ways to maximise this process. We dive into the recovery pyramid - what are the foundational recovery techniques and what are the 1%ers. Join us as we help you develop your own recovery plan, backed by scientific principles.

In this episode we discuss the ins and outs of preparing for performance. If you have ever wondered what the 24 hours before competition should look like, listen in for all the tips. We dive into: - Physical activity in the lead up to competition - Nutrition the day and hours leading into competition - Sleep and rest - Individual warm ups - Cognitive preparation > to screen or not to screen... that is the question We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode of Educate to Elevate, we’re diving into the world of neurodivergence with educational and developmental psychologist, Remi. Neurodivergence – including ADHD, autism, and other cognitive differences – is becoming more widely recognized in young athletes, but why does it seem more common now than it did 20 years ago? Are we better at identifying it, or have the pressures of modern sport made these traits more visible? Remi breaks down the challenges neurodivergent people face – from commitment and structure to focus and timing – and shares practical advice for coaches and parents on how to create more inclusive and supportive sporting environments. If you're a parent, coach, or athlete looking to better understand how to unlock the potential of neurodivergent athletes, this is the episode for you.

Today's podcast is talking about the initiative that Swimming Australia developed by Sports Dietitian's Ali Disher and Fiona Sutherland. In this podcast we explore the intersection between body empowerment, education, and athlete safety. We dive deep into the importance of understanding and nurturing our bodies, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. Through insightful conversations, we’ll explore how body empowerment is key to creating a safer, healthier environment for athletes at all levels. Our goal is to challenge harmful stereotypes, advocate for better practices, and foster a community where everyone can thrive without compromising their health or well-being. Join us as we empower ourselves and others with knowledge, intentional actions, and a commitment to creating positive change in the world of sports and beyond.

In this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between the menstrual cycle and athletic performance. As a sports dietitian, Bec Disher, explores how hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle can affect energy levels, strength, endurance, and recovery in female athletes. Our special guest, Pelvic physiotherapist specialist, Alex Diggles, and Bec discuss how different phases of the cycle — the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase — can influence training intensity, nutritional needs, and performance outcomes. They provide practical tips for athletes to optimize their training and nutrition strategies around their cycle, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to maximize performance and minimize the risk of injury or fatigue. Additionally, we address common misconceptions and offer evidence-based insights into how understanding the menstrual cycle can lead to better physical and mental well-being for female athletes. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports professional, this episode offers valuable insights to help navigate the menstrual cycle in the context of sports and performance.

In this episode, sports dietitian Bec Disher and athlete well-being specialist Sharyn Donaghy delve into the complexities of body image in the world of athletics. Body image plays a significant role in an athlete’s mental and physical performance, yet it is often overlooked or misunderstood. From the pressures of meeting performance standards to dealing with societal expectations, we explore how body image impacts not just how athletes view themselves, but also their approach to nutrition, training, and recovery. Join us for an insightful conversation on how to cultivate a positive body image, the importance of self-compassion, and practical strategies for fostering a healthy mindset in the face of these challenges. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply interested in improving your relationship with your body, this episode offers valuable perspectives for all.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rajeev and Matty, two remarkable individuals whose journeys exemplify the power of resilience, vision, and holistic development in sport. Rajeev shares his experiences as an Olympian, and a coach, while Matty takes us through his inspiring transition from a top-ranked junior sprinter to a coach and entrepreneur. Together, we’ll discuss the pivotal roles parents and coaches play in fostering a culture of growth and performance. Finally, we’ll delve into the nuances of speed and agility training, uncovering how these elements shape athletic success. Join us as we uncover personal stories, actionable strategies, and the "why" behind making a lasting impact in the world of sport.

In this episode of Educate to Elevate, we sit down with Kim Knox, co-founder of IMPI Sportswear, to explore the journey behind creating a brand designed to empower teen and tween girls through activewear that fuses function, fashion, and fit. IMPI Sportswear isn’t just about clothes—it’s about cultivating confidence, resilience, and community among young athletes. Kim shares the challenges and triumphs of building IMPI, the impact of the brand’s "tribe of warriors" ethos. Listeners will learn how sportswear can play a vital role in supporting young athletes both physically and emotionally and discover tips to keep girls (and boys) motivated, active, and confident in their athletic and personal lives. The most wonderful part of this episode is Kim explaining her passion for this business stems from being a parent which also allows us to dive into the parent perspective when it comes to athlete development. We hope you enjoy.

In this episode we’re joined by Alexandra Diggles, a specialist physiotherapist in pelvic health. With expertise spanning bladder and bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, pregnancy-related conditions, and more, Alexandra shares invaluable insights into the often-overlooked but critical role of pelvic health in athletic development. This episode dives into the intersection of pelvic health and sports, highlighting how young athletes, parents, coaches, and high-performance staff can better understand and support this vital aspect of physical well-being. From discussing common pelvic floor challenges faced by young athletes to exploring prevention strategies, Alexandra unpacks complex concepts with clarity and compassion. Alexandra’s passion for education and her wealth of experience in clinical practice and health promotion make this a must-listen episode for anyone invested in the holistic success of young athletes. Tune in to gain actionable insights, hear inspiring stories, and discover how addressing pelvic health can empower the young athlete.

Tammy Baart, a proud Boorooberongal Dharug woman, dedicated to educating, advocating for, and empowering individuals to exceed their own expectations. With over two decades of executive educational leadership experience, she is driven by a passion to identify and bridge gaps in systems, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities for success. In this episode Tammy takes us through her own sporting journey and shares how her love for sport led to her understanding the inequities and inequalities of sport, but also led her into education, and her passion for educating people on her culture and decolonizing ways of being, doing, and knowing. In this powerful episode, Tammy discusses the importance understanding your own identity and biases before we can make in consistent changes in how we decolonise ways of being, doing and knowing. Tammy is open about her own journey of processing her son's autism and shares some beautiful insights into the power of adapting and advocating for your child. We hope you enjoy!

Mariafe Artacho del Solar from her humble beginnings in Peru to her rise as an Olympic medallist, and uncover the lessons she’s learned along the way that continue to motivate her both on and off the sand. Mariafe’s career is a testament to her dedication and hard work. She has represented Australia on the world stage, competing in multiple World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic Games. Her career highlight came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she and her partner, Taliqua Clancy, won the silver medal, cementing their place as one of the top beach volleyball duos in the world. Off the court, Mariafe is a role model for young athletes, sharing her journey of overcoming challenges, embracing resilience, and staying true to her goals. She’s not just a fierce competitor but also an advocate for the power of sport to bring people together and inspire greatness. Join us as we delve into Mariafe’s story

Today the team provide a three-prong approach to preparing well and preparing early for back to school demands. Shaz shares some ideas on how to ensure athletes and families can organise and communicate schedules effectively by including all key stakeholders in discussion. G touches on the impact of time off, while rest is important and necessary, athletes and coaches need to manage the reloading carefully with considerations on individual training outputs during the holiday period. Bec reminds us on the importance of cuddling training sessions with nutrition and provides suggestions on how to use the first couple of weeks back to explore food options that work for you. We also provide a snapshot into what to expect over season 2. Welcome back and happy new year!

Join us as we recap our first season of Educate to Elevate. We also provide some insights into season 2, coming 2025! Thanks for all the support so far!

Allira Rogers is a highly experienced sport psychologist dedicated to helping young athletes unlock their potential and thrive in high-performance environments. With a wealth of expertise spanning mental skills training, performance psychology, and holistic athlete development, Allira supports athletes, parents, and coaches in navigating the mental challenges of sport. In this episode, Allira shares her insights into the role of a sport psychologist, providing practical strategies for parents and young athletes to foster confidence, resilience, and balance in their athletic journey. She delves into the impact of perfectionism—a common challenge for many high-achieving young athletes—and explores ways to reframe this mindset to build healthy, sustainable performance habits. Join us for an enlightening discussion that empowers families to better understand the crucial role of sport psychology in enhancing not just athletic performance but overall well-being.

Dr Carissa Gardiner discusses the importance of sleep and recovery acknowledging that it does not matter what technology or “hacks” you use if you aren’t doing the basics right then you aren’t setting yourself up for success. We dive into the sleep cycle and the importance of different stages on muscle vs brain recovery and further understand the difference between quality versus the quantity of sleep. Carissa also breaks down the impact of blue light on our sleep (phones/gaming/kindles). We discuss the importance of sleep routine, understanding how to bank sleep and think about sleep chronically instead of one night at a time. Happy listening!

In this powerful episode, we welcome Amy Parmenter, a trailblazer in the world of elite netball and an inspiring advocate for resilience, education, and giving back. Amy shares her extraordinary journey, from grassroots sport to professional netball, weaving in the pivotal moments that shaped her as an athlete and leader. This episode highlights Amy's insights on overcoming adversity, fostering leadership, and balancing life’s challenges while pursuing excellence. A standout feature of the conversation is Amy's work with The Tie Dye Project, an initiative close to her heart that has transformed lives and communities. The Tie Dye Project Co-founded by Amy and Molly Croft in 2017, The Tie Dye Project has become a beacon of hope in the fight against sarcoma. Through vibrant creativity and community-driven action, the project has raised over $1 million to support ground breaking research and families affected by cancer. Amy shares the heartfelt story behind The Tie Dye Project, its growth, and how it continues to inspire her both on and off the court. Follow Amy Parmenter on Instagram: @amyparmenter to stay updated on her journey as an athlete, leader, and advocate. This episode dives into themes of resilience, community, and inclusivity in sport, offering invaluable insights for young athletes, parents, and coaches. Let’s jump straight into this inspiring conversation with Amy Parmenter.

In this episode, its just the 3 of us and Sharyn is leading the conversation on athlete wellbeing and transition. Today, Sharyn shares highlights from a recent Wellbeing Summit, unpacking the latest insights into supporting young athletes both on and off the field. From navigating the pressures of high-performance environments to fostering resilience and maintaining balance, Sharyn offers actionable strategies for parents, coaches, and practitioners who play a key role in an athlete's journey. This episode is packed with practical advice and expert perspectives to help you better support the young athletes in your life

In this episode, we’re joined by Danielle Spitty, a wellbeing practitioner with firsthand experience in the world of elite sports. Danielle’s journey began in the high-performance and elite pathways of water polo and netball, where she excelled until a career-ending injury at 22 changed her trajectory. Now, she leverages her experiences to support athletes in netball and AFLW, focusing on mental health, transitions, and holistic wellbeing. Together, we unpack Danielle’s personal journey from athlete to practitioner, exploring key themes such as personal identity, the importance of support networks, and the role of holistic wellbeing in sports. Whether you’re an athlete managing your performance, a coach guiding your team, or a parent supporting your child, this episode offers valuable insights into overcoming challenges, maintaining balance, and fostering resilience.

In this episode we are discussing all things nutrition and how to best support athletes to prepare, perform and recover. Rebecca Disher, our resident sports dietician provides us with some great insights into pre/post training fuel, simple go-to tools for packing lunchboxes and provides advice for parents and coaches that are navigating the nutrition space. We discuss the implications of not eating enough - with the young developing athlete, it is more likely to see under fuelling as opposed to overeating. This podcast is a must listen for any parents and coaches needing some scientific nutrition advice to ensure your young athletes are maximising gains and performance.