The STA Clinician Podcast

Sports Therapy Association

The STA Clinician Podcast - 'Connecting Clinicians Across Healthcare' - is recorded LIVE every Tuesday at 8pm (UK) on the Sports Therapy Association YouTube channel and Facebook Page, and then uploaded as a podcast to all popular platforms. After 5 years of broadcasting weekly as the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, the name of the podcast has been updated to reflect how our content is of value & interest to all health care professionals, with a major goal being to promote conversations that embrace & nurture multidisciplinary care. Hosted by Matt Phillips (creator of Runchatlive.com), we welcome all health care professionals to join us for the live recording, a chance to network with fellow therapists and discuss topics that together help us all move forward as an industry. The Sports Therapy Association (STA) is a professional representation for Sports Therapists, Sports Injury Therapists and Soft Tissue Therapists. We have worked passionately to develop a truly independent and ethical association that is committed to raising standards across the industry and progressing opportunities for our valued members.

  1. Jun 4

    Ep.288 Neurodivergent Inclusion in Health Settings — The Reflective CPD Journal with Sarah Meharg & Rosi Sexton

    In this episode, host Matt Phillips is joined by Sarah Meharg and Rosi Sexton to discuss the launch of Neuroflect UK and the recent publication of their 'Reflective CPD Journal'. They explain why neurodivergent‑affirmative practice matters, share practical planning and reflection tools for clinicians, and outline upcoming training and resources to improve accessibility across healthcare and workplaces. The conversation is aimed at MSK and other health professionals — both neurotypical and neurodivergent — who want simple, actionable ways to reduce barriers, better support patients, and embed reflective learning into everyday practice. Find the journal and more at neuroflect.co.uk. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:03:45 - NeuroFlect UK Launch 00:11:37 - Shared Values, Different Paths 00:16:23 - Building a Neuroaffirmative Team 00:21:08 - Rethinking Clinical Norms 00:31:13 - Average Thinking Explained 00:36:58 - CPD Reflective Journal Structure 00:45:10 - Weekly Prompts and Reflections 00:52:28 - Neurodivergence Benefits Everyone 00:55:25 - Courses and Future Events 01:00:09 - Upcoming Talks and Appearances Free Online Event 'A guided look inside the Reflective CPD Journal and practical tools for neuroaffirmative practice.' Friday 12th June  2 PM-2:45 PM GMT+1 Join Sarah Meharg, Occupational Therapist and Director of Neuroflect CIC, for a free online session exploring the Reflective CPD Journal: Neurodivergent Inclusion in Health Settings. You do not need to have purchased the journal to attend. During the session, Sarah will talk through some of the key tools, reflections, and resources included within the journal, many of which can be used independently of the journal itself. Useful Links Neuroflect UK Website Purchase the Reflective CPD Journal here  Neuroflect Linktr.ee  Free online event with Sarah discussing the book Glossary Terms - Stimpunks Foundation Autistic mental health conference Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

    1h 6m

  2. May 29

    Ep.287 "Psychological Patterning Process (PPP)'' with special guest Serena Simmons

    We arrive at the final part of our focus this month on Communication Skills for MSK Clinicians, in an episode entitled “Psychological Patterning Process (PPP)”. In this episode, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Serena Simmons, a Chartered psychologist, educator, and behaviour change specialist with over 25 years experience of working in psychology, behaviour change, teaching, and human complexity, across Healthcare, Higher Education, Coaching, and Forensic settings. Serena discusses her recently released 'Psychological Patterning Process (PPP)' - a practical, formulation-based lens for understanding the patterns beneath a client’s behaviour. Serena explains how co-mapping and simple psychological profiling help clinicians decide when change is appropriate, which tools to use, and whether to refer — all within scope and with compassion. The episode looks at real clinic examples, how PPP can support all types of MSK clinician, and the aims of the inaugural training starting September 2026. The conversation focuses on making consultations easier, reducing practitioner self-blame, and improving decision-making about motivation, treatment and referral. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:02:35 - Meet Serena Simmons 00:04:34 - Psychology and Teaching 00:08:10 - Forensic Work and TV 00:13:51 - Introducing PPP 00:22:03 - How PPP Works 00:25:44 - Training and Mapping 00:30:58 - Ethics and Scope 00:35:02 - Vectors of Change 00:43:01 - Practitioner Self-Mapping 00:47:26 - PPP Course Details starting September 2026 Useful Links The Psychology School Website Psychological Patterning Process (PPP) Course Information Serena Simmons on Instagram Other Episodes In This Series Part 1 - Motivational Interviewing for MSK Clinicians with guest Orla Adams - Available on YouTube & all popular Podcast Apps.   Part 2 - Awkward Conversations with guest Richard Shorter of Non-perfectdad.co.uk Part 3 - Explaining Diagnoses with guest Ben Whybrow, host of the Clinical Communication Podcast Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

    52 min

  3. May 21

    Ep.286 'Communication Skills For MSK Clinicians Part 3: Explaining Diagnoses' with guest Ben Whybrow

    In Part 3 of our focus this month on Communication Skills for MSK Clinicians, entitled 'EXPLAINING DIAGNOSES', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Ben Whybrow, Clinical Communication Skills Facilitator at Norwich Medical School, specialist physiotherapist in an NHS Pain Clinic, and host of the Clinical Communication Podcast. In this episode, Ben explores how MSK clinicians can explain diagnoses clearly, confidently and compassionately. He discusses asking about patients’ expectations, meeting people where they’re at, timing explanations, using simple relatable analogies (like the "cocktail"), and checking understanding. Practical tips focus on keeping explanations simple, validating feelings over repeating facts, tailoring language to the patient, and prioritizing how patients feel so they leave reassured and able to move forward. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:03:00 - Introducing special guest Ben Whybrow 00:04:30 - Ben Whybrow speaking at Therapy Show 2026 00:06:56 - What Is a Diagnosis? 00:15:21 - Start With What The Patient Knows 00:27:26 - Keep Explanations Simple 00:30:25 - Using Analogies That Fit 00:38:30 - Check Patient Understanding Gently 00:44:14 - What To Do When Patients Are Not Listening 00:49:14 - Teaching and Reassurance Useful Links Ben Whybrow on Instagram Clinical Communication Podcast on Apple Podcasts  Other Episodes In This Series Part 1 - Motivational Interviewing for MSK Clinicians with guest Orla Adams - Available on YouTube & all popular Podcast Apps.   Part 2 - Awkward Conversations with guest Richard Shorter of Non-perfectdad.co.uk Part 4 - 8pm (UK time) Tues May 26th - Serena Simmons, founder of the psychologyschool.co, will be introducing the Psychological Patterning Process (PPP) - a structured way of recognising the patterns that sit underneath your client or patient’s behaviour, and understanding what to do next. Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

    55 min

  4. May 16

    Ep.285 'Communication Skills For MSK Clinicians: Awkward Conversations' with guest Richard Shorter

    In Part 2 of our focus this month on Communication Skills for MSK Clinicians, entitled 'AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Richard Shorter, founder of Non-perfect Dad.co.uk, an expert in Sports Parenting & Business Leadership Conversations. In this episode, Richard provides some fantastic tips on how to deal with the awkward conversations that can arise during clinical consultations in which children are accompanied by their parents or carers. The episode explores the power of asking permission, fencing the conversation, using whiteboards and card prompts, and de-escalation techniques to keep the child at the centre of care. Richard also discusses pre-consultation actions that can help pave the way for clearer communication in the consultation, including shaping the waiting-room, training for front desk, and many more.    Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:02:46 - Introducing special guest Richard Shorter 00:04:34 - The Story Behind Non-Perfect Dad 00:10:51 - Handling Pressure Around Competitions for Young Athletes 00:22:20 - How Asking Permission Builds Buy-In 00:26:37 - Defusing Anger and De-escalation 00:29:56 - Managing Parent Interruptions 00:37:10 - Helping Shy Young People Speak 00:41:11 - Shaping the Waiting Room Story 00:48:01 - When Parents Compare Old Injuries 00:56:12 - Honest Boundaries With Parents 01:02:00 - How To Connect With Richard Shorter 01:03:00 - Communication Skills for MSK Clinicians Part 3 & 4 Useful Links Non-Perfect Dad Website Richard Shorter Non-Perfect Dad on Instagram Richard Shorter Non-Perfect Dad on Linkedin Other Episodes In This Series Part 1 - Motivational Interviewing for MSK Clinicians with guest Orla Adams - Available on YouTube & all popular Podcast Apps.   Part 3 - 8pm (UK time) Tues May 19th - Explaining Diagnoses with guest Ben Whybrow of the Clinical Communication Podcast Part 4 - 8pm (UK time) Tues May 26th - Serena Simmons, founder of the psychologyschool.co, will be introducing the Psychological Patterning Process (PPP) - a structured way of recognising the patterns that sit underneath your client or patient’s behaviour, and understanding what to do next. Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

    1h 3m

  5. May 9

    Ep.284 'Communication Skills For MSK Clinicians: Part1 - Motivational Interviewing' with Orla Adams

    A new month and a new focus topic: 'Communication Skills for MSK Clinicians'. In Part 1 of this four part series, titled 'Motivational Interviewing in MSK Practice', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Orla Adams, a highly respected & experienced Motivational Interviewing trainer based in Cardiff, alongside Motivational Interviewing co‑founder Dr Stephen Rollnick.  The episode explores what Motivational Interviewing really is and why it continues to matter in modern healthcare. It unpacks how MI helps shift perspectives from “fixing” patients to partnering with them, with a particular focus on recognising and resisting the fixing reflex that many clinicians fall into under pressure. Orla shares insights into the core skills and training required to practise MI well, highlighting the power of open questions, reflective listening, and the evolving language of MI in supporting meaningful behaviour change. Through real-life examples, the episode brings these concepts to life and show how MI can be applied day to day, while also addressing the link between MI-informed practice and clinician wellbeing, including burnout prevention. Also mentioned are MI training opportunities, as well as upcoming events and workshops with Orla for anyone keen to deepen their practice. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:02:12 - Introducing special guest Orla Adams 00:03:24 - Defining Motivational Interviewing 00:07:07 - The Journey to Motivational Interviewing 00:09:15 - Shifting Perspectives in Healthcare 00:12:44 - Skills and Training in Motivational Interviewing 00:22:00 - The Fixing Reflex 00:23:43 - Evolving the Language of MI 00:31:49 - The Power of Open Questions 00:37:43 - Real-Life Examples of MI 00:40:16 - Addressing Clinician Burnout 00:43:48 - Training Opportunities in MI 00:48:37 - Upcoming Events and Workshops 00:54:41 - Details of other podcast episodes this month Useful Links Website - MI Cardiff Workshops  MINT UK and Ireland Cardiff Meeting June 2026 Website - Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) Orla Adams on Linkedin  Other Episodes In This Series Part 2 - 8pm (UK time) Tues May 12th - Richard Shorter, an expert in sports parenting at Non-PerfectDad.co.uk, will be giving advice on how to tackle Awkward Conversations. Part 3 - 8pm (UK time) Tues May 19th - Ben Whybrow of the Clinical Communication Podcast will be discussing the Explaining of Diagnoses Part 4 - 8pm (UK time) Tues May 26th - Serena Simmons, founder of the psychologyschool.co, will be introducing the Psychological Patterning Process (PPP) - a structured way of recognising the patterns that sit underneath your client or patient’s behaviour, and understanding what to do next. Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

    56 min

  6. May 1

    Ep.283 'Common Frustrations For MSK Clinicians: Part 4/4'' with Tristen Attenborough

    Many of the frustrations MSK clinicians feel when assessments, diagnoses, or outcomes don’t go to plan aren’t down to lack of skill, but to unseen COGNITIVE BIASES and JUDGEMENT NOISE shaping everyday decisions. In the final part of our focus this month, 'Common Frustrations For MSK Clinicians', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Tristen Attenborough of movementpossible.co.uk, a Sports Therapist with BSc Psychology & MSc Pain Management, who explains how unawareness or misunderstanding of these human factors fuels inconsistency, self‑doubt, and missed learning. Tristen discusses perceptual errors like pareidolia and confirmation bias, how natural history and survivorship bias can mislead clinicians, and practical strategies to reduce bias, including reflection, humility, and supervision. Together, Tristen and Matt discuss better clinical reasoning, avoiding absolute language, and giving clients agency in their care. The episode closes with advice for clinicians to hold results lightly and focus on listening to patients, plus details of Tristen’s presentations at the up & coming STA Regional Conferences.  Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:01:57 - Introducing guest Tristen Attenborough 00:06:02 - Understanding Cognitive Biases 00:10:39 - Perceptual Errors in Therapy 00:18:05 - The Importance of Client Feedback 00:23:09 - Exploring Confirmation Bias 00:25:32 - Misconceptions in Clinical Outcomes 00:32:16 - The Role of Tribalism 00:39:37 - Building Humility in Practice 00:45:02 - The Challenge of Clinical Reasoning 00:50:05 - Reflective Practices for Improvement 00:55:57 - Next Month's Focus: Communication Skills for MSK Clinicians 01:00:19 - Details of STA Regional Conferences Useful Links Tristen Attenborough Website - Movementpossible.co.uk Tristen Attenborough on Instagram Tristen Attenborough on Facebook Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

    59 min

  7. Apr 23

    Ep.282 'Common Frustrations For MSK Clinicians - Part 3/4'' with Ben Cormack & Adam Meakins

    In Part 3 of our focus this month 'Common Frustrations For MSK Clinicians', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Ben Cormack of Cor-Kinetic, and Adam Meakins 'The Sports Physio'. Ben & Adam are founders of 'The Better Clinician Project (BCP)', an online continuing professional development (CPD) and education platform for healthcare and rehabilitation professionals, providing accessible and evidence‑based education for clinicians. With a focus on critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and practical decision‑making, the course reveals to Ben & Adam many of the common frustrations felt by MSK clinicians, and in this episode they talking about four of top frustrations and how practitioners can overcome them: How to find trustworthy information How to tolerate diagnostic uncertainty Balancing clinical freedom with workplace or financial constraints Dealing with other clinicians erroneous narratives 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒅𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆. Also discussed is this episode is the much anticipated return of Adam & Ben to Therapy Show this year (formerly known as Therapy Expo), November 25th & 26th at the NEC Birmingham. The Better Clinician Project are having a stand this year where attendees can meet and chat with Ben & Adam, and Ben will be speaking on Day 2 (Thursday 26th Nov) in Theatre A, 11:45am to 12:15pm: “Exercise for Back Pain: It might not work the way you think!” Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:03:14 - Welcome Ben Cormack & Adam Meakins 00:06:01 - Understanding the Better Clinician Project 00:15:17 - Common Frustrations in Clinical Practice 00:28:11 - Navigating Uncertainty in Diagnosis 00:37:59 - Practicing Autonomy in Treatment 00:42:59 - Dealing with Erroneous Narratives 00:52:23 - Upcoming Events and Projects Useful Links Better Clinician Project Website - betterclinicianproject.com Ben Cormack Website: Cor-kinetic.co.uk Adam Meakins Website: Adammeakins.com Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

    58 min

  8. Apr 17

    Ep.281 'Common Frustrations For MSK Clinicians - Part 2/4'' with Carla Bickerstaffe & Emily Gilbert

    In Part 2 of our focus this month 'Common Frustrations For MSK Clinicians', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Carla Bickerstaffe, Sports Therapist & part of the Invictus Games Medical Team, and Emily Gilbert, a Chronic Pain Specialist and owner of Framework Sports Massage. Carla and Emily talk discuss their frustration with the term “soft skills”, and explain why soft skills such as communication, difficult conversations, documentation and supervision do matter as much as hands-on techniques. They also talk about their annoyance of what seems like an ever-increasing number of very short online qualifications that allow individuals to then adopt the title of Sports Therapist, and the risks posed by these courses within isolated practice. The episode highlights practical solutions: better patient-led training, collaboration and supervision, joining reputable professional associations, and adopting evidence-informed approaches to working with pain and complex cases. Useful Links Carla Bickerstaffe On Instagram: @sportstherapybycarla Emily Gilbert Website: Frameworksportsmassage Emily Gilbert On Instagram: @frameworksportsmassage   Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.

    1h 5m
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About

The STA Clinician Podcast - 'Connecting Clinicians Across Healthcare' - is recorded LIVE every Tuesday at 8pm (UK) on the Sports Therapy Association YouTube channel and Facebook Page, and then uploaded as a podcast to all popular platforms. After 5 years of broadcasting weekly as the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, the name of the podcast has been updated to reflect how our content is of value & interest to all health care professionals, with a major goal being to promote conversations that embrace & nurture multidisciplinary care. Hosted by Matt Phillips (creator of Runchatlive.com), we welcome all health care professionals to join us for the live recording, a chance to network with fellow therapists and discuss topics that together help us all move forward as an industry. The Sports Therapy Association (STA) is a professional representation for Sports Therapists, Sports Injury Therapists and Soft Tissue Therapists. We have worked passionately to develop a truly independent and ethical association that is committed to raising standards across the industry and progressing opportunities for our valued members.

Information

  • Creator
    Sports Therapy Association
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    284
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The STA Clinician Podcast

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