In squash - The Podcast

In Squash Podcast

In Squash is a squash podcast that we've all been waiting for. Interviews and conversations with world class players, coaches, squash media, referees, and enthusiasts like myself, and anyone else who is a friend of the game. Enjoy the squash podcast.

  1. Sep 3

    Episode 409 Stuart Davenport

    Former World No. 3 Stuart Davenport joins us for a fascinating trip back to the golden era of squash and an inside look at what it takes to reach the very top of the game. Davenport talks candidly about his own career and his experiences competing at the highest level, including his run to the semi-finals of the 1983 World Championships — an event dominated by the extraordinary Jahangir Khan, who went through the tournament without dropping a game. But this conversation goes well beyond the history books. Stuart breaks down the mental game of squash, including the importance of concentration, the ability to thrive within the chaos of a match, and the subtle skills that can separate the very best players in the world from those ranked much lower. We also get into one of the less-discussed aspects of elite squash: working the referee — how players manage the relationship with the official, influence the rhythm of a match, and use every available edge to their advantage. Stuart shares his observations of players who have mastered this art across different generations. And perhaps most intriguingly, Stuart offers his inside perspective on Paul Coll's remarkable rise from World No. 80 at the age of 23 to World No. 3 by 26. What did he see in Coll that helped explain such a rapid ascent? What separates a very good professional from a true virtuoso? A fascinating conversation about performance, psychology, tactics, referees, chaos, concentration and what it really takes to become one of the best players in the world.

    Episode 409 Stuart Davenport
  2. Aug 6

    Episode 408 - Declan James

    Episode 408 – Declan James: Back to His Best, the Road to LA 2028, and Representing Jamaica After one of the toughest setbacks of his career, Declan James is back. The former World No. 15 returned from a ruptured Achilles in late 2023, but as he explains in this episode, coming back to the PSA Tour and truly feeling like yourself again are two very different things. Following a strong 2025/26 campaign that included last-16 appearances at both the British Open and the World Championships, Declan reflects on a season that, in my view, flew under the radar. We discuss the long road back from injury, the physical and mental challenges of rebuilding confidence, memorable victories over Mohamed Abouelghar, battles with Paul Coll and Karim Abdel Gawad, and the influence of former World Champion Nick Matthew on both his game and mindset. We also spend plenty of time on one of the biggest stories in squash: Declan's decision to represent Jamaica as he begins his pursuit of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He explains how the opportunity came about, what wearing the green, black and gold would mean to him, and what the qualification pathway looks like over the next two years. Finally, Declan shares his thoughts on where professional squash needs to go next. From branding and marketing the sport more effectively to attracting a younger audience and capitalizing on the momentum leading into the Olympic era, he offers a thoughtful perspective on how the PSA can continue to grow the game.

    Episode 408 - Declan James

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

In Squash is a squash podcast that we've all been waiting for. Interviews and conversations with world class players, coaches, squash media, referees, and enthusiasts like myself, and anyone else who is a friend of the game. Enjoy the squash podcast.

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