The Average Not Average Podcast

Viktor Axelsen, Dr Chun Keat Yew (CK Yew)

Join two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and Dr. Chun Keat Yew, also known as CK Yew, as they share their passion for badminton through insightful discussions and honest opinions. Beyond the court, they’ll dive into the sport’s business side, media influence, family life, expert tips on improving your game, and equipment recommendations. Get ready for engaging conversations and follow along!

  1. 19h ago

    Ep 44: What Does Viktor Axelsen Do Now? ft. VA Next, Denmark Open Farewell, AI Videos, Mandarin

    In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew catches up with Viktor Axelsen for a more casual conversation about life after professional badminton. We find out what he’s been busy with lately, what a day looks like for him now, and how he’s finding the new chapter. We also look back at VA Next in Odense, the special event celebrating the people who supported his career, including the surprise book made by his dad, plus his farewell ceremony at the Denmark Open. We get into the funny AI videos of Viktor online, his Mandarin, new hairstyle, and plenty more! Chapter Timestamps: 00:30 Introduction & Denmark Open 01:15 Denmark Open & VA Next Event 05:06 Life After Retirement & Back Pain 06:50 Routines As A Former Elite Athlete 09:07 Viktor’s New Buzz Cut 11:02 CK’s Business Plans & Workshop Delivery 14:07 Yonex Content With Kento Momota 19:33 Viktor’s Denmark Open Farewell Ceremony 23:52 CK & Viktor’s Q4 Travel Plans 25:46 Will Viktor Return To Play? 27:07 AI Videos Of Viktor & The Other Greats 28:30 Using AI & Dangers Of It 34:04 Viktor’s Current Day In The Life 39:28 Developing Skills & New Year Goals 45:31 The Career Book Viktor’s Dad Made 50:23 Public Speaking & Staying Connected To Fans 56:27 VA Mandarin Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

    Ep 44: What Does Viktor Axelsen Do Now? ft. VA Next, Denmark Open Farewell, AI Videos, Mandarin

  2. Oct 24

    Ep 43: How Live Sport Events Are Produced, Sports Presentation, F1 Silverstone, Fan Entertainment

    In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew sits down with Katy Preston and Danny Allen, the co-founders of ELEV8, a specialist sports presentation and live event production agency. They’ve worked on events including F1 at Silverstone, the World Triathlon Championship Series and the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, and Katy previously directed a pro-am tennis tournament on Sir Richard Branson’s private island. We dig into how ELEV8 started, what sports presentation really involves, and how it changes from sport to sport, from opening ceremonies and fan zones to sponsor activations, LED content and music production. We also talk about pitching to governing bodies, working within a budget, the behind-the-scenes stories from live events, and what badminton could learn from other sports. Learn more about what ELEV8 do below: - Website: https://timetoelev8.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timetoelev8/ Chapter Timestamps: 00:43 Introduction To Elev8 02:36 What Sports Presentation Involves 07:13 Why Flags & Anthems Leave No Room For Error 11:02 The Fan Experience At Live Sporting Events 14:37 Balancing New Ideas With Sport-Specific Traditions 17:23 Importance Of Educating Clients 19:51 Behind The Scenes Of Fan Engagement 23:54 Getting Athletes Involved In Event Content 27:48 How Katy & Danny Started Working Together 31:36 Lessons From Building Elev8 36:30 Taking Complete Ownership Of Production 48:44 Production Risks: Lighting, Audio & Venue Needs 45:12 Balancing Creative Ideas With Budgets 48:51 Handling Pitches & Missed Opportunities 52:18 How Badminton Can Improve 56:19 Connecting Different Teams Within Live Sport 58:59 Production During F1 Silverstone 01:04:23 What’s Next For Elev8 01:06:23 Building A Strong Team & Company Culture 01:11:41 Technology & The Future Of Sport 01:14:08 Elev8’s Annual Pizza & Padel Event Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage\ Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

    Ep 43: How Live Sport Events Are Produced, Sports Presentation, F1 Silverstone, Fan Entertainment

  3. Oct 10

    Ep 42: The Physics of Badminton, Shuttlecock Science, Left-Hander Advantage, Smashing Mechanics

    In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew sits down with Professor Eric Collet - a physicist and head of the Department of Materials and Light at the University of Rennes, known for his incredible super slow-motion footage of badminton shuttlecocks in flight. We get nerdy and break down the real physics behind the sport: why left-handers have a better slice shot, the Magnus effect, the insane forces of a shuttlecock, and much more! Learn more about Professor Eric Collet below: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericcollet1240 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric.collet.bad/ Chapter Timestamps: 00:40 Introduction To Professor Eric Collet 03:00 How Badminton & Science Came Together 09:18 The Science Of Badminton Shuttlecock Spin 12:31 Why Left-Handers Have A Better Slice 18:50 How Science Of How A Shuttle Slows Down 21:06 What Players & Coaches Can Learn 25:13 The Science Of The Badminton Smash 30:31 How Smash Position Affects Reaction Time 32:53 The Force Of A Shuttlecock 37:09 Plastic & Synthetic Shuttles 41:53 Photography & Slow-Motion Videography 43:42 Racket Speed, Shuttle Speed & Energy Transfer 49:04 How Players Stay In The Air When Jump Smashing 52:08 The Magnus Effect In Badminton 56:04 Measuring Smash Speed Accurately 01:02:36 Making Badminton Science Accessible 01:08:09 Defining Badminton In One Sentence 01:10:00 The Future Of Badminton Research Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

    Ep 42: The Physics of Badminton, Shuttlecock Science, Left-Hander Advantage, Smashing Mechanics

  4. Sep 26

    Ep 41: The Agents Behind India's Biggest Sporting Stars, Sponsorship Deals, Athlete Personal Branding

    In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen sit down with Ramakrishnan R (Ram) and Rakesh Haridas from Baseline Ventures - the agency behind some of the biggest deals in Indian badminton, representing athletes across 13 sports including PV Sindhu, Chirag Shetty, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and HS Prannoy. We dig into their journey to the top of athlete representation and sports commercialisation in India, plus what athletes should look for in an agent and what a real sponsorship deal looks like. We also get into Baseline's ownership of the Prime Volleyball League, the challenges of running a league and team, and how brand partnerships fit into the bigger picture. If you've ever wondered how athletes get signed, sponsored, and built into brands, this one's for you! Chapter Timestamps: 00:37 Introduction To Ram, Rakesh & Baseline Ventures 03:38 What Sports Agents Do 05:50 Commercial Deals As A Young Athlete 07:33 Adapting Commercial Strategies Throughout A Career 10:43 What Athlete Managers Do At Sporting Events 12:58 How Badminton Compares To Other Sports In India 15:55 How Sponsorship Deals Are Structured 20:24 Sponsorship Challenges During Covid 21:48 Importance Of Social Media & Digital Content 25:29 Evolution Of P. V. Sindhu’s Commercial Partnerships 28:48 Global Value Of Digital Athlete Partnerships 32:29 Opportunities To Professionalise Badminton 34:25 Building India’s Next Generation 38:34 Most Important Tournaments For Athlete Brand Value 41:18 Baseline Ventures’ Business Model & Owning The Prime Volleyball League 45:27 How Prime Volleyball League Partnered With YouTube 48:05 Managing A Professional Volleyball Team 53:51 Lessons From Building A Professional Sports League 55:52 How Baseline Ventures Was Founded 58:59 Baseline Studios & Producing Athlete Content 01:03:17 Favourite Baseline Ventures Moments 01:07:22 Advice For Aspiring Sports Agents Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

    Ep 41: The Agents Behind India's Biggest Sporting Stars, Sponsorship Deals, Athlete Personal Branding

  5. Sep 12

    Ep 40: Linus Tech Tips X Smash Champs: The Challenges Of Being A Badminton Club Owner

    *Please note: Linus' video often freezes throughout the episode due to connection issues. We apologise for the technical difficulties and appreciate your understanding! In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen sit down with Linus Sebastian — founder of Linus Tech Tips and Linus Media Group — to talk badminton and business. Linus and his wife Yvonne opened Smash Champs, a high-end badminton centre in Surrey, BC, Canada. We explore why he entered the badminton industry, what it takes to build and run a large-scale sports facility, and how it compares to running one of the internet's biggest media operations. Chapter Timestamps: 00:47 Introduction to Linus Sebastian 04:06 How Linus Discovered Badminton 07:04 Why Badminton Is A Complete Sport 10:18 Badminton’s Potential In North America 13:26 Creating Smash Champs Badminton Club 15:43 Designing The Badminton Facility 19:38 The Challenge Of Drift In Badminton 24:22 Costs Of Building A High-Tech Badminton Club 25:46 Choosing The Right Flooring 27:51 Designing The Right Lighting 31:50 The War Between Contractors 34:46 The True Return On Investment 36:05 Badminton Clubs In Denmark 39:28 The GOAT 2026 Tournament & 15-Point Scoring 41:19 Running A Media Company Vs Smash Champs 42:55 Making Custom Broom Stands 44:58 Why Clubs Should Offer Rental Rackets & Shoes 51:39 Revenue Streams At Smash Champs 53:57 Impact Of The Right Badminton Community 56:47 Business Lessons 01:00:58 From Professional Sport To Entrepreneurship 01:02:40 The Story of Linus Playing Against Viktor Axelsen 01:08:40 Badminton’s Unwritten Rules Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

    Ep 40: Linus Tech Tips X Smash Champs: The Challenges Of Being A Badminton Club Owner

  6. Aug 29

    EXCLUSIVE: How Alex Lanier Became BWF World Champion, Preparations, Coach-Athlete Relationship, Mindset & Resilience

    *A quick heads up! Alex and Kestutis’s connection occasionally breaks up throughout the episode, so you may see them come in and out of the frame at certain times. We apologise for the technical issue and appreciate your understanding! In this exclusive episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, we’re joined by recent 2026 BWF World Champion of men’s singles, Alex Lanier, and his coach Kestutis Navickas. We delve into the victory and preparations leading up to it, the rise of French badminton, and insights behind their success. Tune in to hear all about training, the coach-athlete relationship, mental resilience, equipment, federation support, future goals and more. Chapter Timestamps: 00:40 Intro & Post-Victory Check-In 03:13 Processing Becoming World Champions 12:10 How The World Title Was Built (Season Plan) 22:51 Staying Ahead Of Opponents 25:48 Support From The French Federation 33:12 World Championships Reflection 49:59 Reflecting On Alex’s Season 57:34 Alex’s Equipment Of Choice 1:04:22 Post-Championships Attention 1:06:13 Mindset Of Continuous Improvement Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

    EXCLUSIVE: How Alex Lanier Became BWF World Champion, Preparations, Coach-Athlete Relationship, Mindset & Resilience

  7. Aug 15

    Ep 38: How To Build & Scale A Successful Badminton Club, Leadership, Community, Business Lessons

    In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen sit down with Ben Lee - former Olympian, 9-time US National Champion, founder of Synergy Badminton Academy, and one of the most influential figures in American badminton. Together, they explore Ben's journey through more than four decades in the sport, from competing at the Olympic Games to building one of North America's leading badminton academies. They discuss the realities of running a successful sports business, growing badminton in the US, sponsorships, facility management, and the lessons Ben has learned from developing players, scaling a business, and helping shape the future of the sport. Chapter Timestamps: 00:42 Introduction To Ben Lee 03:30 Barcelona 1992 (First Olympic Badminton Appearance) 08:27 London 2012 & How Olympics Has Evolved 11:08 How Synergy Badminton Began & Grew 18:58 Biggest Costs Of Running A Badminton Academy 24:19 Why Passion Matters In Business 25:43 Long-Term Sustainability 30:29 The Team Behind Synergy Badminton 34:02 Scaling Synergy Badminton 39:40 Badminton Clubs In Europe 45:53 How Badminton Clubs Make Profit 47:16 Misconceptions Of Running An Academy 48:25 How To Balance Family, Life & Business Together 53:54 Costs & Considerations Of Setting Up A Badminton Facility 57:12 Quality Control & Maintaining Playing Surfaces 1:03:27 How Badminton Synergy Evolved 1:07:52 CK’s Path To Badminton Media 1:11:56 When Ben Started Synergy 1:12:40 Sponsorships & Player Support Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

    Ep 38: How To Build & Scale A Successful Badminton Club, Leadership, Community, Business Lessons

  8. Aug 1

    Ep 37: The Impact Of Mental Health On Elite Performance, Cultural Differences, Parenting, Pressure, Resilience

    In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen sit down with Sports Psychologist, Muhammad Deen, who shares insights on high performance psychology, mental resilience, and applying sports psychology principles to everyday life and leadership. They discuss mental resilience, cultural differences, and practical strategies for managing pressure, developing self-awareness, raising young athletes, and building trust within teams. To learn more about Muhammad’s work, check out his website here: https://www.mdperformpsych.com/ Chapter Timestamps: 00:39 Introduction to Muhammad Deen 03:47 How Muhammad & Viktor Met 05:58 Journey to Sports Psychology 10:30 Cultural Differences & Emotional Openness 16:30 Parents, Pressure & Junior Athlete Development 26:47 Coping With Sensitive Situations As A Sports Psychologist 31:33 Communication Between Athletes, Coaches & Psychologists 33:23 Trust & Athlete’s Inner Circle 38:40 Handling Pressure & Performance Nerves 47:39 Building Mental Resilience Through Training 49:17 Self-Awareness, Self-Belief & Reflection 59:54 Why Sports Psychology Needs Greater Investment 1:07:47 Where To Find Muhammad Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

    Ep 37: The Impact Of Mental Health On Elite Performance, Cultural Differences, Parenting, Pressure, Resilience
See All (48)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

About

Join two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and Dr. Chun Keat Yew, also known as CK Yew, as they share their passion for badminton through insightful discussions and honest opinions. Beyond the court, they’ll dive into the sport’s business side, media influence, family life, expert tips on improving your game, and equipment recommendations. Get ready for engaging conversations and follow along!

Information

  • Creator
    Viktor Axelsen, Dr Chun Keat Yew (CK Yew)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Viktor Axelsen, Dr Chun Keat Yew (CK Yew)
  • Show Website
    The Average Not Average Podcast

You Might Also Like