Sport + Life

An interview with Texas-born defender Jonathan Tomkinson on how he came to be a professional footballer in his father's homeland of England. Lots of ground covered including a take on the differences in football (soccer) culture between the UK and US and the importance of a "if you don't ask, you don't get" attitude. JT also talks about living in Cheltenham and having a Great Dane dog. Let me know if you enjoy this one - I did. ****Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing: Check out the intro to the podcast.Info on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor a 10% discount with GHS Cheltenham Clinics’ Health Checks - https://ghsclinics.health, contact me: teddy@drapermedia.co.uk 

Harry Bates is a Worcester-based Personal Trainer. He runs The Movement Company with three tiers of engagement: a free run club, group circuits and bespoke one-to-one sessions at his private studio.In this we discuss:** For sedentary people why ditching data, wearables, smart watches and SMART goals and just moving could be the key. ** Why combining fitness with community/socialising maximises the benefits of working out.** Why people realising exercise makes them 'feel better' could be the key to getting the population healthier, in body and mind. ** Harry's pivot from Primary School teacher to fitness pro.** The difficult of knowing what career to follow for young people and why often the unsure choose teaching as a safe option. ** The challenge for PTS of fitting in their own training when busy with clients. ** Levels of kids movement in primary schools. More on Harry and his service: https://themovementcompany.co.uk***********************Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://st

Josh Davison, 26, is a striker on loan at Cheltenham Town from Tranmere Rovers. He was discovered by a Peterborough United scout when he was 16 playing 5-aside with friends in Enfield, North London.In the past nine years he's played for 12 football clubs - and the moving has become more complicated in recent seasons and he's a father to two daughters, a toddler and a baby.Lots of ground covered here including:** Why Josh chose to move his young family to Cheltenham even though he's only on a four-month deal.** How he plans to relax with an uncertain out-of-contact summer coming up.** His Tottenham Hotspur boyhood heroes. ** His plans to tone down his physicality. ****************Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first p

Luke Harvey was an elite jump jockey winning races at the famous Cheltenham Festival and Aintree among other successes. Since retiring he's become a beloved racing broadcaster for ITV, Sky Sports and others. In this conversation Luke tells me why he thinks the 2026 edition was the best 'Cheltenham' in decades.In a time when we're also considering the healthiness of much of elite sport - jump jockeys have a lot of financial uncertainty to contend with and physical jeopardy - Luke explains why he's forever grateful for the like horse racing has given him.Also an interesting riff here on the enigmatic nature of both humans and horses - how people and race horses can be brilliant in training but not able to perform in public.

My brother, Dr Max Draper was in a dark place six or seven years ago. Physically and mentally he was as low as you can go. At his nadir he felt like he didn’t want to be here anymore.Remembering that time is painful for me and everyone else who loves Max. But there’s a huge tale of hope that sprung from that low and it’s in his rise back to health that Max charts in his book Testosterone Decoded. Max, then a GP in the North East of England had his health and T levels battered by a triple header of testicular cancer, meningitis and chronic stress. For a long time he didn’t twig about the testosterone. When he did start testosterone replacement therapy his rise from the deepest doldrums was remarkably swift. In this story then there’s a beacon of optimism for other men brought to their knees because of hormonal imbalance. I’m biased but I think Max’s book is a brilliant breakdown of what testosterone is, what it gives men, what healthy levels should be and the options to get heathy again. There’s also a frank l

Legend is perhaps an overused word in modern sport. But Lewis Ludlow would be considered a Gloucester Rugby legend in any era.'Luds' has captained the club for much of his time - more than a decade - wearing the famous cherry & white colours and is on track to break Gloucester's appearance record in the nearish future. He also captained England on his debut, underscoring his innate ability to lead. In this conversation we discuss:** Physical longevity - sauna, ice baths and diet** Lewis' 10 operations and why he has no regrets for the physical toll of the game on his body.** His pride and gratitude at representing Gloucester** How his mindset is behind his success rather than physical gifts** Favourite movie motivational speeches ** Hopes to work at Gloucester beyond his playing days *******************Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herr

Have you noticed how one health topic is all the rage on the internet one week only to be replaced by another next week?That's why it was powerful to get Katie outline why the focus on protein isn't a fad - but a vital message for good health. Katie, a Cheltenham-based nutritionist who helps clients all over the world remotely, tells us why protein is vital for our health.The conversation includes: ** What protein does in the body** How much protein you need ** The types of foods that carry big protein hits and the meals a protein rich day might include .** Vegan protein options** Protein shakesI really enjoyed this one - let me know how you found it. To contact/follow Katie:Instagram https://instagram.com/nutrition_with_katieLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/katieizobeldempseyBlog: https://nutritionwithkatie.com/blogWebsite: https://nutritionwithkatie.com***********Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpell

It feels like winter 25/26 in the UK has been a big one for colds - a lot of people I know have had one or more. This sounds smug, but I don't get that many colds. I believe that's in large part to my dad, Dr Mark and his steer on how to stave off a cold when you feel one 'coming on'.'We also look at how you manage colds and coughs and recover asap afterwards.In this conversation we coverVitamin C (supplements and foods)Vitamin D (the supplements and foods/daylight we can get them from)Exercise nuance and immunity (why long distance athletes, in particular may require supplementation to boost immune system)SleepStressPlease let me know if this is helpful and if there are any other health/vitamin/mineral topics you'd like my dad and I to talk about. ********Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at ch

I met Simon Mundie when we were both ambitious young men living in London in our 20s pursuing careers in sports broadcasting. I was presenting the sport news on the Breakfast Show at Absolute Radio and Simon was playing the same role on Drive Time.Simon has gone onto work for BBC radio and TV, but his thoughtful and insightful approach to sport and life began to articulate with his very popular podcast Don’t Tell Me The Score.He now works as a coach and explains his service in these terms: ‘I work from a place of deep presence and focus on helping you clear the blockages that stop you from experiencing the clarity, joy and love that is your essence.’This may sound a bit woo to some. But I love the idea of sporting flow applied to everyday life, the quest to live in the moment as much as possible. As someone who often thinks about the past and the future, past frustrations set against thinking about upcoming diary commitments, I’ve struggled with this.Sport for me has always been a way of returning to the mome

This week I caught up with Cheltenham only’s current professional boxer Louis Bacon to look ahead to a significant night in his fledgling career. On March 28th at GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester Louis, who’s 23, steps up to six rounds for the first time. He’d previously only boxed 4 round contests in the pro ranks. Louis is also moving up in weight to 168 pounds (12 stone) or super-middleweight in light of the contest having a same-day weigh-in. Louis tells us about the physical challenges of working as a landscape gardener alongside his fight camp training, the financial outlay he has had over medical checks and licensing and the brass tacks business aspect of the the fight game - including delivering tickets by hand.I found this a fascinating insight into the life of someone making their way in the early stages of pro boxing and all the factors involved.At the time of recording Louis had a cold and we talked about the discipline of sometimes stepping off the gas when the body needs to recover. I’m planning

A compelling and very honest conversation with Gloucester (and England international) winger Ollie Thorley about how his life changed with his family's decision to leave London and move to Cheltenham as a small boy. Without that sliding-doors decision, Ollie thinks he may never have even played regular rugby - let alone become a pro and a Gloucester legend. We talk about Ollie's passion for swimming and how his innate physicality as a boy - size, speed and strength - meant some of his rugby skills were underdeveloped. It was too easy for him to outmuscle and outpace boyhood opponents so his handling, positioning and skillset was counterintuitively stunted. We also discuss Ollie's love of his school days at Cheltenham College but how the attention on him as rugby star and Deputy Head Boy was something he found difficult. He was also wrestling with a stammer at the time (which he's clearly overcome).Very honest and two-way conversation with Ollie asking me about my background and what would be m

Cheltenham Town’s free-scoring midfielder Issac Hutchinson is actually a Bristol Rovers player. He’s on loan at Cheltenham and travels up the M5 for training. But at 25 this is the 7th club he’s played for as a professional footballer. In fact, Bristol took recalled him in January only to allow him to return to Cheltenham at the end of the month. Isaac’s others clubs thus far: Southend United, Derby County, Forest Green Rovers, Crawley Town and Walsall. Where he’s stayed for a while, Hutchinson has done well, but his story is typical of League and League 2 football - constant change and movement. In this conversation we talk about the challenge of a nomadic lifestyle, the lapsed friendships and the commitment required from Isaac’s partner who has followed him around the country. We also discuss the skill of gelling quickly with new teammates on and off the pitch.Isaac was a big fan of Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer Frank Lampard growing up and we talk about the importance of repetitive practice to hone tho

Andy Brassington is in his 70s. But you’d never guess it. He came around to my house before Christmas for a coffee and a long chat. He left me feeling invigorated, hopeful and enthused. For what I’m trying to do with the podcast and with my Triple Tonic workouts, for sure. But, also just generally excited for life and reassured there are philanthropists like Andy who are out there trying to connect people. Andy’s a former cricketer. A wicketkeeper for a decade and a half at Gloucestershire. As it became clear a generational talent called Jack Russell had curtailed his playing opportunities, Brassy transitioned into a role as marketing manager at the club.He went onto found his sports hospitality business Finders and Keepers in the late 90s and it’s still going strong: https://www.finderskeepersuk.comMaybe from his sporting background, or his business experience or maybe just how he’s made, but Andy has a keen awareness of the importance of conversation and connection. And during the Covid pandemic he founded

Hi, Teddy here. I count myself as pretty fit and healthy - I think that's important to walk the walk as I work as a fitness professional. But for the first time recently I had a full blood panel done and felt a huge amount of relief to find that things are good under the bonnet: hormones, minerals, metabolism and more. I visited GHS Clinics in Cheltenham and can offer you a 10% discount if you contact me - hello@drapermedia.co.uk. I felt anxiety before but a surge of confidence afterwards. I would definitely recommend it for anyone in mid life like - whatever your fitness or lifestyle - just to get some clarity .**********Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing:

James Golden is a fitness professional based in the Cotswolds. He's trained athletes and non athletes for decades. But in this conversation he tells me that if someone is starting from scratch trying to get healthier adding movement into daily life could be the key - rather than say three trips to the gym per week.In this conversation James gives concrete examples of how we can add steps and bodyweight resistance work into everyday activities. We also discuss James' Elite Soccer Coaching company with kids camps lead by pro footballer Jordan Thomas coming up at half-term and Easter. https://www.elitesoccerstars.com********* Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongo

I’m half-Welsh. My dad hails from cwmbran. And so presenting on Sky Sports News as Wales wound their way in magical fashion to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 is a treasured memory. A special summer - counterbalanced by the fact that I’m half-English and Wayne’s Rooney’s Three Lions were dumped out by Iceland in ignominious fashion. Ouch. That still hurts. But it was also a special time for the country Wales knocked out in the last-16 stage: Northern Ireland. It was their first and only, to date, time at The European Championship. Paul Gilmour was a firsthand bystander to the squad’s exploits in qualifying and then in the tournament itself in France. He was the dedicated team reporter for Sky Sports News. It would have been a memorable assignment for any football person. But particularly poignant for Paul who hails from Northern Ireland. He wasn’t born when his country qualified for the 1958 and 1982 World Cups. He was barely born when they made the World Cup in Mexico in 86. But in 2016 he was front and centre

Dr Mark Draper ( my dad) is a GP in Gloucestershire and a micro-nutritionist who has run courses for other doctors and medical professionals focussed on the vitamins and minerals we need to be healthy.Here he explains how his interest and passion for vitamins and minerals was sparked when working as a doctor in the Turks and Caicos islands - he and his colleagues found huge improvements in the island children's health after iron tablets were handed out at schools. Dad has helped design ingredient for show partner Cytoplan's early range of multivitamins and is the reason I've been taking their supplements since boyhood.In this conversation we discuss: *)Why we need to supplement*) Iron* Vitamin D * Selenium and Zinc* Women's mineral and vitamin requirements* Men's mineral and vitamin requirements * Vegan diet * Vegetarian dietI hope this is useful. Feedback appreciated.Go well and keep moving,Teddy*********************** Partner DetailsChief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://

I don’t know about you, but I don’t really struggle to do health-related things like exercising and eating vegetables. But I’ve founding sleeping well on a regular basis to be a bit of a challenge. Shift work as a sports broadcaster - 2am get-ups in the same week as 2am bedtimes - hasn’t helped. But fundamentally sleeping is the anti-do: relaxation isn’t something you can force through with discipline or the ability to form behavioural habits.And the more you think or worry about sleep - or document it with technology - the harder it can seem to actually relax enough to nod off. We now live in a world where we’re being bombarded with information about how important sleep is to our short-term daily performance and chances of long-term good health. This can be anxiety-inducing and counterproductive to sleep!In this context, I found restorative sleep coach Holly Hannigan-Mills’ approach to helping people get good kip very refreshing and very useful. Holly has been helping people sleep for nearly 10 years. T

If you’re into fitness in Cheltenham, you’re very likely to have come across Katie Brighton-Jones who trains people all over the town in various gyms, pools and fitness locations. I’ve often seen her out jogging in my local stomping ground of Leckhampton too.Katie is a all around font of fitness knowledge, but has two big specialities - working with people training for triathlons helping women experiencing peri menopause and the menopause stay fit.So, an ideal person to ask about running. Running (or initially jogging or just shuffling) is a great starting point for people looking to get moving and carries huge physiological and psychological upsides. But it can come with concerns over joint pain, injury etc.Katie is herself working her way back to running after a knee issue so great to pick her brains on a variety of running themes:1) Is Running good for us?2) What surface should we run on?3) How does running on the ground compare to the treadmill?4) What are the mental benefits of running (particularly, run

Dr Ran Crooke is co-founder and COO of WellFounded, an international practice changing the face of health and performance medicine for purpose-driven change-makers. Ran, who lives in Cheltenham, was once a local Gloucestershire GP before taking his experience in elite sports and sports medicine to setup WellFounded with his co-founders, ex-paratrooper Dr Andy Crockett, and expedition medic, Dr Jack Kreindler.I met Ran in 2019 when I was hosting and he was a guest speaker at The Cheltenham Well-being Festival. This conversation looks at the fundamentals of health and human performance with special focus on the merits of resistance training and creatine. **********Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytopl