The Average Not Average Podcast

Viktor Axelsen, Dr Chun Keat Yew (CK Yew)
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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. Ep 25: How To Build The UK’s Biggest Badminton Retailer, Balancing Family & Business, Unique Selling Points, Importance Of Grassroots Support

    JAN 31

    Ep 25: How To Build The UK’s Biggest Badminton Retailer, Balancing Family & Business, Unique Selling Points, Importance Of Grassroots Support

    In this episode of the Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen chat with YC Lim and his son Yee Wai Lim about the evolution of YC Sports from a small badminton retailer to a major market player. They discuss balancing family dynamics in business, challenges as the official retailer of the Yonex All England, and the importance of personal connections with customers. The episode also covers the evolution of badminton, grassroots support, and personal stories that showcase the camaraderie within the badminton community. Chapter Timestamps: 00:30 Introduction to the Guests 01:39 Family Dynamics in Business 03:40 The Evolution of YC Sports 09:41 Finding Niche Markets 19:17 Negotiation Strategies in Business 23:00 Sponsorship and Support in Badminton 28:22 The Importance of Grassroots Support 32:37 The Experience of Buying Rackets 40:59 Educating the Next Generation 42:07 Racket Customization and Customer Experience 46:03 Preparing for Major Tournaments 50:59 The All England Experience 56:47 Building Community and Grassroots Support 59:36 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Sports 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

    1h 12m
  2. Ep 24: Peter Gade On What It Takes To Be The World’s Best, Coaching Viktor Axelsen, The Growing Gap Between Asia & Europe & Avocado

    JAN 17

    Ep 24: Peter Gade On What It Takes To Be The World’s Best, Coaching Viktor Axelsen, The Growing Gap Between Asia & Europe & Avocado

    In this episode, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen host badminton legend Peter Gade. They discuss the pressures and responsibilities of being an icon in the sport, their early experiences in Malaysia, and the transition from player to coach. The conversation delves into the mental challenges faced during competitive matches, the impact of crowd dynamics, and their ventures outside of badminton. They also reflect on the future of the sport, while sharing insights from their personal journeys in badminton and business. Chapter Timestamps: 00:30 Introduction to Icons of Badminton 01:30 The Weight of Icon Status 05:18 Memories of Malaysia and Early Careers 09:57 Viktor’s Journey from Junior to Senior 13:55 How Peter Became Viktor’s Coach 18:48 Routines in High-Level Performance 20:19 Mental Challenges in Competitive Matches 25:28 The Impact of Crowd and Conditions on Court 37:20 Business Ventures Beyond Badminton 44:11 Reflections on Career Choices 49:07 The Future of Badminton Scoring Systems 51:36 The Gap Between Asian and European Players 1:01:57 The Kings Cup Experience 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-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

    1h 8m
  3. Ep 23: CEO Of The Biggest Shuttlecock Brand, Viktor’s First Professional Contract, The Next Generation Of Shuttlecock Production, The Importance of Shuttlecock Sustainability

    JAN 3

    Ep 23: CEO Of The Biggest Shuttlecock Brand, Viktor’s First Professional Contract, The Next Generation Of Shuttlecock Production, The Importance of Shuttlecock Sustainability

    In this episode, CK Yew interviews Rasmus Skousen, CEO of RSL Europe, discussing the evolution of badminton, the impact of market dynamics on shuttlecock production, and the challenges of sustainability in the industry. Rasmus shares insights on Viktor Axelsen's early career, the transition from retail to RSL, and the future of badminton equipment amidst changing consumer expectations and global market trends. RSL is the world's largest badminton shuttlecock manufacturer. Chapter Timestamps: 00:30 Introduction and Background of Rasmus Skousen 03:28 Viktor Axelsen's Early Career and Contract 07:27 Transition from Store Owner to CEO of RSL 09:19 The Evolution of Badminton in Europe 12:35 Market Dynamics: China vs. Europe 15:18 Shuttlecock Production and Global Market Insights 18:04 Challenges in the Shuttlecock Industry 21:06 The Circular Economy of Shuttlecock Production 22:46 Innovations in Shuttlecock Design 27:49 The Impact of Feather Supply on the Industry 38:06 Sustainability and the Future of Shuttlecocks 44:35 Growth of Badminton Participation in Europe 45:47 The Rise of Badminton in Europe 49:22 Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences 55:29 Shuttlecock Quality and Durability 59:56 The Future of Badminton and Emerging Trends Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw 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/

    1h 8m
  4. Ep 22: The Best Of The Average Not Average Podcast 2025 - Standout Conversations & Funniest Moments

    12/20/2025

    Ep 22: The Best Of The Average Not Average Podcast 2025 - Standout Conversations & Funniest Moments

    This highlights episode brings together the best moments from The Average Not Average Podcast in 2025. Each segment is taken from a different episode, capturing standout conversations, reflections, and lighter moments from throughout the year with CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen. Watch all previous episodes here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d41e211446b44f9b Our 2025 Guest List includes: Henrik Axelsen (EP9)Chirag Shetty (EP10)Cristian Luque Manjon (EP12)Ahmed Shahrazad Sani (EP14)Ayush Shetty (EP15)Dr David Evans (EP16)Ben Beckman (EP17)Alex Lanier (EP19)Kestutis Navickas (EP20) Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

    55 min
  5. Ep 21: Viktor Axelsen’s Toughest Battle – Back Injury Updates, Tournament Plans, Crossing Paths With Stephen Curry, The Rise Of Pickleball & Padel

    12/06/2025

    Ep 21: Viktor Axelsen’s Toughest Battle – Back Injury Updates, Tournament Plans, Crossing Paths With Stephen Curry, The Rise Of Pickleball & Padel

    In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen talk about Viktor’s current back injury and the difficulties he’s facing as he works through recovery. Viktor shares his thoughts on the rest of his year, and they reflect on the originally scheduled guest, Kestutis Navickas. They also chat about the growth of pickleball and padel, Viktor crossing paths with Stephen Curry while training, and the ongoing issue of poor court quality at some major tournaments. *This episode was originally scheduled with Kestutis Navickas as a guest, however technical issues cut the conversation short. The episode with Kestutis was rescheduled, and you can watch his full episode here: https://youtu.be/RqvIO4qORY0?si=uqnKymOUJ8jUuY2i Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:53 Viktor's Health and Tournament Plans 08:06 Discussing Kestutis Navickas 16:37 Challenges with New Courts 19:28 Rise of Young Talents 28:26 Staying Positive and Motivated 32:55 Basketball Players 39:48 Pickleball and Padel Sports 45:10 Future of Badminton and Synthetic Shuttles 52:13 Personal Insights and Future Plans Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw 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/

    56 min
  6. ⁠EP20: Kestutis Navickas - Why French Badminton Is Becoming Stronger, Evolution Of Elite Badminton, Mental Toughness & Fashion In Athletes

    11/22/2025

    ⁠EP20: Kestutis Navickas - Why French Badminton Is Becoming Stronger, Evolution Of Elite Badminton, Mental Toughness & Fashion In Athletes

    In this podcast episode, Kestutis Navickas, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen discussed the evolution of badminton, the importance of recovery, and the intersection of fashion and sports, highlighting the need for athletes to present themselves professionally, as fashion can enhance an athlete's public image. Both Viktor and Kestutis emphasise the importance of personal growth, teamwork, and the future of badminton as a competitive sport. Team dynamics and communication are essential for success. Timestamps: 00:00 Introducing Kestutis Navickas, life at home, Paris and Dubai 09:48 Reflections on Past Matches and Competitors 09:50 Evolution of Elite Badminton Performance 19:22 The Importance of Recovery in Modern Badminton 19:51 Mental Fatigue in Modern Badminton 22:18 The Importance of Recovery 24:13 Coaching and Coordination in Badminton 27:13 Cultural Adaptation in Coaching 30:44 Recognition and Team Dynamics 33:28 Advice and Personal Growth 36:38 The Future of French Badminton 40:31 Fashion in Badminton 48:34 The Role of Image and Branding Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

    53 min
  7. Ep 19: Alex Lanier - Expectations Are Different As I’m Top-10 In The World, Chess, Golf and Bananas

    11/08/2025

    Ep 19: Alex Lanier - Expectations Are Different As I’m Top-10 In The World, Chess, Golf and Bananas

    In this episode of the Average Not Average podcast, host CK Yew interviews professional badminton player Alex Lanier. They discuss Alex's recent holiday, his passion for golf, and his competitive spirit, especially in relation to his brother Theo. Alex shares insights into his daily routine as a professional badminton athlete, the pressures of being in the top 10 in the world, and the dynamics of his coaching relationship with Kestutis Navickas. The conversation also touches on Alex's love for chess, his preferences in his sports equipment and his badminton rackets, and a humorous anecdote about his aversion to bananas.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background08:51 Golf: A New Passion16:38 Chess: The Strategic Game18:31 Daily Routine and Training23:24 Transition to Top 10 and Pressure30:17 Team France and Support Structure31:20 The Competitive Edge: Pushing Each Other to Greatness36:16 Building a Strong Coach-Player Relationship41:18 Balancing Professionalism and Personal Connection50:46 The Evolution of Equipment: Racket Preferences58:16 Navigating Personal Challenges: The Banana DilemmaFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

    1h 4m
  8. Ep 18: Viktor Axelsen - I Have No Problems With Shi Yu Qi & I Want To Win So Bad

    10/25/2025

    Ep 18: Viktor Axelsen - I Have No Problems With Shi Yu Qi & I Want To Win So Bad

    This episode 18 of the Average on Average podcast, Viktor Axelsen discusses his recent experiences at the Denmark Open and his preparations for the French Open. He reflects on the emotional challenges of returning to competitive badminton after a long hiatus, the controversies surrounding his serving techniques, especially in the match again Shi Yu Qi and the balance between his professional commitments and family life. Viktor shares insights into his mindset, future goals, and the importance of personal growth in his journey as an elite athlete. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Tournament Preparations 02:54 Victor's Comeback Journey 05:58 Navigating Pressure and Expectations 08:58 Controversies on the Court, Shi Yu Qi's match at the Denmark Open 2025 11:44 Mindset and Emotional Resilience 15:04 Reflections on Competition and Growth 17:40 The Importance of Learning and Adaptation 20:47 The Emotional Weight of Performance 23:44 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations 29:39 Physical Training and Mental Resilience 32:00 Goals and Aspirations for the Year 33:33 Balancing Family Life and Professional Commitments 39:56 New Projects and Initiatives in Badminton 45:44 Media Engagement and Public Perception Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

    51 min
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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
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Viktor Axelsen, Dr Chun Keat Yew (CK Yew)
  • Show Website
    The Average Not Average Podcast

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