Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective

Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC)

Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective is an all-access pass to the inner workings of Canada's vibrant sport sector. This podcast delves into the untold stories and hidden dynamics that drive Canadian sports. From groundbreaking research to the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward, Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective offers a unique perspective on the forces that influence and fuels Canadian sport.

Episodes

  1. New Money, New Markets, New Risks: How the Economics of Sport Are Reshaping Canada

    Jun 10

    New Money, New Markets, New Risks: How the Economics of Sport Are Reshaping Canada

    Money is moving through sport in new ways and not always where people expect. In Episode 2 of Sport Intelligence: The State of Sport in Canada, host Paula Baker and Lang Chair Dr. Ann Pegoraro from the University of Guelph explore how sports betting, private investment, athlete branding, and shifting consumer behaviour are reshaping the economics of sport. As new revenue streams emerge, so do new questions about athlete protection, affordability, and who ultimately benefits. You'll also hear from Basketball Canada CEO Michael Bartlett, who shares how national sport organizations are navigating rising costs, changing sponsorship landscapes, and growing pressure to do more with less. As sport evolves into a more complex business environment, are organizations equipped to manage the opportunities and risks that come with it? This special edition limited-series podcast is brought to you by the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, and produced by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

    31 min
  2. The Future of Canadian Sport Might Depend on More Than Sport

    May 27

    The Future of Canadian Sport Might Depend on More Than Sport

    What do rising costs, global instability, loneliness, and immigration have in common? According to Dr. Ann Pegoraro, Lang Chair in Sport Management at the University of Guelph, they’re all reshaping the future of sport in Canada. In this episode, SIRC's Paula Baker speaks with Pegoraro and Ontario Soccer CEO Johnny Misley about the pressures transforming participation, funding, community sport, and the role sport plays in Canadian society. From affordability and newcomer engagement to the opportunities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this conversation explores why understanding the broader environment may be the most important challenge facing sport leaders today. This special edition limited-series podcast is brought to you by the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, and produced by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

    34 min
  3. Concussions and Confidence: Why Mental Readiness Matters in Recovery

    08/27/2025

    Concussions and Confidence: Why Mental Readiness Matters in Recovery

    Each year, an estimated 200,000 sport-related concussions occur in Canada, affecting athletes of all ages and levels. But recovery is about more than just physical healing. In this episode, Dr. Keith Yeates, professor of psychology, pediatrics, and clinical neurosciences at the University of Calgary, explains how psychological readiness shapes recovery. He discusses why early reporting and care can speed healing, how fear and anxiety influence outcomes, and what new research reveals about sex differences in concussion experiences. Listeners will also hear about the future of concussion care, from emerging diagnostic tools to living guidelines that continually update best practices.   Resources: > SIRC's Concussion Hub > Canadian Concussion Network > Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport > Living Guideline for Pediatric Concussion > Living Guideline for Concussion & Prolonged Symptoms in Adults > Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) Online > MOOC Online Concussion Course > NCCP Making Headway   For more about Dr. Keith Yeate’s work and research: > Dr. Yeates' Biography  > Brain Injury Research in Children (BIRCh) Laboratory > Integrated Concussion Research Program   This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

    31 min
  4. On the sidelines but central: The powerful role parents play in youth sport

    07/02/2025

    On the sidelines but central: The powerful role parents play in youth sport

    Youth sport doesn’t happen without parents—but their role is far more complex than carpooling and cheering. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Nick Holt, Dean of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, longtime coach, and parent, about how parents shape their child’s sporting experience—for better or worse. Drawing from 2 decades of research in youth sport and development, Holt explores the fine line between support and control, why sideline behaviour matters, and how clubs and coaches can work with parents to foster positive environments. Because in youth sport, parents aren’t just on the sidelines—they’re part of the team. Resources: > Parental involvement in youth sport settings > Positive Youth Development through Sport  > Exploring sport parents' emotion abilities  > Parents and emotions in youth sport: A scoping review This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

    22 min
  5. The lasting social impact of mega sporting events: Creating accessible, inclusive legacies

    06/04/2025

    The lasting social impact of mega sporting events: Creating accessible, inclusive legacies

    Mega sporting events like the Olympics and Paralympics promise excitement, but do they leave a lasting social impact? Dr. Laura Misener, professor and researcher at Western University, explores how these global spectacles can drive real change—especially in accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. In this episode, we examine what it takes to turn a two-week event into a long-term legacy, why grassroots initiatives matter more than big-ticket projects, and how Para sport can shift public perceptions. From policy to technology, discover the keys to ensuring these events don’t just impress—but improve the communities that host them.   Resources: > Expert insight: Why the Olympics and Paralympics aren’t blended into one Games > Examining the evolution of network governance forms of an event leveraging collective: a longitudinal investigation > Beyond Olympic legacy: Understanding Paralympic legacy through a thematic analysis > Leveraging disability sport events: Impacts, promises, and possibilities   This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

    26 min
  6. FUN MAPS: Rethinking the Joy of Sport

    04/23/2025

    FUN MAPS: Rethinking the Joy of Sport

    What really makes sport fun for kids—and why does it matter? Dr. Erin Sharpe joins the podcast to explore FUN MAPS, a research-based tool reshaping how we think about fun in youth sport. From redefining coaching strategies to boosting retention, discover how effort, teamwork, and challenge are key to keeping kids engaged—and enjoying—the sport experience. Resources: > Paper: The Fun Integration Theory: Towards Sustaining Children and Adolescents Sport Participation  > Short summary paper: The FUN MAPS: A Youth Sport Scientific Breakthrough  > Blog: What makes playing sport fun is... > Webinar: Dr. Amanda Visek | What is FUN? The Fun Integration Theory  This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

    24 min
  7. The Invisible Opponent: How Body Image and Surveillance Shapes Sport Performance

    02/19/2025

    The Invisible Opponent: How Body Image and Surveillance Shapes Sport Performance

    Athletes train to be stronger, faster, and more skilled but what happens when their toughest opponent is their own reflection? In this episode, we explore the impact of body image and body surveillance in sport, from how uniforms influence participation to the subtle ways coaching language shapes self-perception. Dr. Catherine Sabiston, an expert in sport psychology, reveals how negative body image affects confidence, performance, and mental health. We discuss strategies for athletes, coaches, and sport leaders to foster a healthier culture, one that values performance over appearance. Because true athletic success isn’t just about how you look, it’s about what you can do. Resources: > Dr. Catherine Sabiston’s Research This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

    35 min
  8. Beyond the Stats: Understanding Sleeper Athletes with Dr. Joe Baker

    01/21/2025

    Beyond the Stats: Understanding Sleeper Athletes with Dr. Joe Baker

    In the debut episode of Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective, host Paula Baker looks at the intricate world of talent identification and athlete development with Dr. Joe Baker, a leading expert from the University of Toronto. Explore the myth of talent, the unpredictability of athletic success, and how countries like Australia are pioneering innovative approaches to nurturing future champions. Dr. Baker shares insights on how psychological factors, feedback, and even gaze behaviour play pivotal roles in identifying and fostering 'sleeper' athletes — those who surprise everyone by excelling later in their careers. Join us as we challenge traditional methods, discuss the impact of a caring and thoughtful selection process, and consider the broader implications of talent management across an athlete's lifespan. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode will reshape your understanding of what it takes to succeed in sports. Resources: > SIRC article: Beyond the Stats: Understanding Sleeper Athletes with Dr. Joe Baker  > Learn more about Joe Baker's research: https://www.bakerlab.kpe.utoronto.ca/ > Learn more about Joe Baker's Publications:  https://www.bakerlab.kpe.utoronto.ca/publications > Book: The Tyranny of Talent This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

    28 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective is an all-access pass to the inner workings of Canada's vibrant sport sector. This podcast delves into the untold stories and hidden dynamics that drive Canadian sports. From groundbreaking research to the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward, Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective offers a unique perspective on the forces that influence and fuels Canadian sport.

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