This Sporting Planet

LCA Ltd

No matter who you are, where you are, or what your sport is, This Sporting Planet gives fans around the world their weekly Sports fix. Renowned broadcasters Natalie Sawyer (Europe/UK), from talkSPORT and ex-Sky Sports, Todd Harris (USA) from NBC, Edward Russell (Singapore) of Class 95 and Fox Sports, and Colette Wong (Singapore), a veteran of CNBC, ESPN and Fox Sports, are joined by Suhail Chandhok (India) from Star Sports, Kate Allman (Australia) of NFL Flag and American Football Australia, and Carol Tshabalala (South Africa) from Supersport and Premier League Productions. Together, this global team explores the stories behind the sports, explaining not just what happened but why it happened, with insights from journalists, guests, and athletes rooted in the regions where the events are taking place. From Europe to America, Asia to Africa, and Australia, this Sporting Planet leaves no stone unturned in its quest to take you behind the scenes of some of the most iconic sporting occasions. Welcome to the tribe! New episodes every week.

  1. Why Sport Has ‘NEVER MATTERED MORE’: Caitlin Clark, LIV Golf & Alcaraz v Sinner

    10/31/2025

    Why Sport Has ‘NEVER MATTERED MORE’: Caitlin Clark, LIV Golf & Alcaraz v Sinner

    Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the world's view of sport! 🌍 The world of sport is evolving at an unprecedented, accelerating pace due to the massive technological effect of smartphones, AI, and the ascent of streaming 🤯 Former ESPN digital and media executive John Kosner joins the podcast for a discussion with Todd around the "State of Sport," analysing the forces reshaping the game for athletes, leagues, and fans 👀 In this episode, you'll hear John Kosner discuss: - Why sport is more popular and important than ever, serving as the only truly unifying, live content in a fragmented media landscape 🤝 - The dramatic growth of player empowerment, where athletes' social media followings often surpass those of their teams and leagues 💪 - The revolution in women's sport, including the "galvanizing" breakthrough of stars like Caitlin Clark 🏀 - The challenge for new tournaments and leagues like LIV Golf and the Six Kings Slam to replicate the context and meaning of traditional major events for fans 🏌️🎾 - The crucial role of broadcasters to protect the integrity of the game and serve as a reliable source of information in the age of media fragmentation 🎙️ 00:00 - Introduction: The Unprecedented Pace of Change in Sport 01:33 - The State of Sport: Why It's Never Mattered More 02:04 - Player Power: Athletes vs. Leagues on Social Media 03:40 - Is Sport Really Recession Proof? 05:04 - The Positives and Negatives of Athlete Power 07:05 - Are New Leagues Like LIV Golf and The Six Kings Slam Prepared? 07:47 - The Importance of Context and the Big Events 09:21 - Broadcaster's Responsibility in a Fragmented Media World 11:40 - The Growth of Women's Sports 12:37 - Caitlin Clark's Unprecedented Draw 14:34 - Shrinking Attention Spans vs. Rising TV Ratings 16:37 - The Future of Broadcast: Multiple Feeds and Influencer Channels 18:23 - Career Bedrocks: John Kosner's Lessons for the Next Generation 19:48 - The #1 Rule for Success: Investing in Relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    23 min
  2. The BILLIONAIRE Athlete, Player Power & Social Media – Is it BAD for sport?

    10/29/2025

    The BILLIONAIRE Athlete, Player Power & Social Media – Is it BAD for sport?

    Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the world's view of sport!   Join your hosts Todd Harris (USA), Natalie Sawyer (UK), and Edward Russell (Singapore) as they discuss the growth of player power around the globe and ask a crucial question – is it good or bad for the future of sport?   Billionaire athletes: Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first active footballer to achieve a net worth of $1 billion. How did we get here, and will there be more?   Player empowerment: From players forcing moves away from football clubs to NIL rights, the team explore how athletes in all sports have been taking more control over their own futures. Social media transformation: The team discuss how these platforms have emboldened athletes, giving them a direct platform to air grievances and build their personal brands, bypassing traditional media channels. Plus, have women’s sports embraced social media more effectively than men’s sports to create authentic content that really connects with fans?  Plus, as 2025 draws to a close, Natalie, Todd and Edward reveal their athletes of the year, and their ones to watch in 2026! 00:00 - Introduction 01:26 - The player empowerment phenomenon 03:51 - How women's sport utilises social media to create authentic content 04:25 - The Billionaire Athlete: Are stars like Cristiano Ronaldo too rich? 11:06 - Will there be more Super Leagues? 13:32 - How have shows like 'Drive to Survive' changed sport? 18:02 - Are athletes in danger of burn out? 21:05 - Interview with the Former ESPN Executive John Kosner 27:32 - Athlete of the year! 31:17 - Who is 2025's Rising Star? 35:34 - What will have the biggest legacy from 2025? 37:56 - See you next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    41 min
  3. Red Roses' Glory & The Women's Sport Phenomenon

    10/22/2025

    Red Roses' Glory & The Women's Sport Phenomenon

    Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and Todd Harris (USA) celebrate England's Rugby World Cup victory and dive into the growing global phenomenon of women's sport. We are joined by exclusive guest and World Cup winner Abbie Ward to go inside the victorious Red Roses' camp and discuss the key to their team culture. Rugby World Cup Champions: We celebrate the Red Roses' victory over Canada at a sold-out Twickenham. World Cup winner Abbie Ward shares the secret to the team's close bond and why supporting mothers in sport is vital. The Growth of Women's Sport: A discussion on the acceleration of women's sport globally, particularly the success seen in Europe (England's Euro and Rugby World Cup wins) and the USA (WNBA, new leagues). Legacy Building: We explore the challenges of sustaining growth in domestic leagues and highlight the positive impact female athletes are having as role models for the next generation. Behind the Scenes: Abbie Ward discusses the non-traditional support within the England rugby squad, such as teammates watching her daughter during training, and the importance of maternity and working parent policies. 00:00 - Intro & Global Sporting Highlights  01:24 - Todd reflects on the Ryder Cup and MLB Playoffs  02:42 - Edward reviews the F1 Singapore Grand Prix  03:44 - Natalie celebrates England's World Cup qualification and Hull FC's treble  06:05 - The Women's Sport Phenomenon: A Unique Period of Growth  09:18 - Abby Ward on winning the Rugby World Cup  14:24 - Juggling motherhood and professional rugby  21:15 - Being a role model and legacy building 25:31 - Reflections on the World Cup Win  27:18 - Canada's Crowdfunding Story  28:51 - Investment and Growth in US Women's Sport  31:51 - Women in Sport in Asia  32:46 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    36 min
  4. World Cup win, motherhood & Red Roses legacy with Abbie Ward!

    10/17/2025

    World Cup win, motherhood & Red Roses legacy with Abbie Ward!

    Natalie Sawyer is joined by Red Roses star Abbie Ward to reflect on the team's phenomenal World Cup victory and the absolute whirlwind of the past few weeks. Abbie shares an inside look at the championship celebrations and the deep bond that defines this history-making squad, and how she juggles being a professional rugby player and a mother! 🏆 The World Cup Final Experience: Abbie describes the final day as "spectacular," from stepping off the bus to an electric atmosphere at Twickenham to the game itself, which she "loved every minute of". ❤️ Team Bond and Culture: She details how the Red Roses deliberately fostered a close-knit group by focusing on "little moments," sharing personal stories, and celebrating individuals, a strategy she believes was a "point of difference". 🧠 Handling Pressure and Past Defeats: She discusses how the team is accustomed to pressure and how losing the last two World Cup finals spurred on the players with "extra hunger". She notes a change in perspective, allowing her to now look back on those losses with pride and appreciation for the growth of the women's game. 👧 Motherhood and Sport: Abbie speaks openly about the balancing act of being a professional player and a mother, highlighting the team's incredible support, including team-mates Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews who looked after Hallie during the Samoa match! 🎉 The Legacy of the Win: Abbie stresses the team’s goal was not just to win, but to "create a legacy" by maintaining the momentum, growing the game, and paving the way for the next generation. 🏉 Growth of the Women’s Game: She advocates for more investment and teams to go professional, citing Canada's journey to the final as an "unbelievable story" for a non-fully professional side. 💪 The PWR's Role: Abbie praises the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) as an "amazing showcase" of competitive, local rugby featuring the best international players and encourages fans to attend their local games. 00:00 - Interview Start & World Cup Win Reflection 01:52 - The Post-World Cup Celebrations (Including Ibiza!) 03:00 - How the Red Roses Team Bond is Built 03:56 - John Mitchell’s Pivotal Role in Team Culture 04:53 - Dealing with Pressure as Tournament Favourites 06:40 - Using Past World Cup Final Losses as Motivation 08:30 - The Challenges of Being a Mother and a Rugby Player 09:40 - "Hallie is part of the team" – The Ultimate Squad Support from Abbie's daughter 12:18 - Trusting Individuals and the Importance of Mental Health 13:55 - Going behind early in the final: What Was Said on the Pitch 15:07 - Canada’s Inspiring journey and the need for investment 17:07 - Being a Role Model and Growing Women's Rugby 19:49 - The Goal: Winning the World Cup & Creating a Legacy 21:10 - Encouraging Fans to Support Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) 23:06 - Thoughts on the proposed R360 League 25:46 - How Inspired Young Girls Can Get Into Rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    29 min
  5. Ryder Cup: Nicolas Colsaerts on The Miracle of Medinah

    09/25/2025

    Ryder Cup: Nicolas Colsaerts on The Miracle of Medinah

    Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the world's view of sport! In this episode, Natalie Sawyer (UK) chats with former Ryder Cup winner as both a player and vice-captain Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium) about his career and his role in the legendary Miracle of Medinah in 2012! They also chat about the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. They discuss: The honour of playing in the Ryder Cup: Colsaerts describes it as the biggest honour a golfer can have, a feeling nurtured by watching legends like Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, and Ian Woosnam. His first experience with the event was the "war on the shore" at Kiawah in 1991, which was an "electrifying" introduction. Getting the call-up: Colsaerts talks about the moment he was selected as a captain's pick by Jose Maria Olazabal. He had a good feeling about it after playing well and winning the Volvo World Match Play in 2012. He describes the meeting with Olazabal as a scene "like the Godfather". The rookie experience: As the first Belgian to play in the Ryder Cup, Colsaerts felt welcomed by the team. He credits his ease of blending in to his amateur days where he spent time with golfers from the British Isles. Team vs. Individual Sport: Colsaerts explains that he was comfortable in a team environment because he played a lot of team sports like field hockey when he was young. He likes that it is not just about the individual, but about putting others in the best position to serve the purpose. The Miracle of Medinah: Colsaerts reflects on the 2012 Ryder Cup where Team Europe came back from a 10-6 deficit going into the final day. He describes the mood in the team camp on Saturday night as changing from anger to a glimmer of hope after key matches went their way. His performance with Lee Westwood: Colsaerts discusses his four-ball match with Lee Westwood, where Westwood said it was "basically the Nicholas Colsaerts show". Colsaerts is proud that he was able to make such an impact as a rookie and contribute a point for his idol. Predictions for 2025: Colsaerts is confident Team Europe can emulate his winning side of 2012 and win on away soil! 00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Sporting Planet 01:15 - Why the Ryder Cup is so special 06:30 - A Call from Olazabal: Getting the Pick 09:12 - A Rookie in the Team Room 11:47 - Team vs. Individual: The Mindset of a Golfer 13:30 - The Miracle of Medinah: Saturday Night 17:48 - The Westwood Four-Ball 24:50 - The Ryder Cup's Unique Rhythm 27:50 - On Longevity in Golf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    31 min
  6. Golf: Ryder Cup Preview, The Miracle of Medinah & Bethpage Black with Nicolas Colsaerts

    09/18/2025

    Golf: Ryder Cup Preview, The Miracle of Medinah & Bethpage Black with Nicolas Colsaerts

    Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Todd Harris (USA) and Natalie Sawyer (UK) preview one of the biggest and most unique rivalries in sport: the Ryder Cup! We're joined by two exclusive guests: Nicolas Colsaerts, a member of the 2012 "Miracle of Medinah" team, and US-based golf broadcaster Carl Paulson, to get a complete view from both sides of the Atlantic. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Ryder Cup Preview: A discussion on the highly anticipated match-up between Team USA and Team Europe, the notoriously difficult course at Bethpage Black, and the unique, often hostile, atmosphere of the New York crowd. Team Europe's Perspective: Nicolas Colsaerts shares his memories of the "Miracle of Medinah," the intense pressure of the tournament, and his thoughts on how the continuity of the European team could lead to victory. Team USA's Perspective: Carl Paulson provides an insider's view on the American team's strengths, the captain's strategy, and how the dominance of US golfers in the majors could translate to team success. Behind the Ryder Cup: The hosts and guests discuss the mental transition from individual to team play, the role of technology like virtual reality headsets, and the data used to create winning pairings. 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:58 - Global Sports Round-up  03:59 - Medinah Memories with Nicolas Colsaerts  13:46 - What Team USA can expect at Bethpage Black with Carl Paulson  29:00 - Team USA's Strengths & Weaknesses 34:36 - How Ryder Cup Pairings are Chosen 37:17 - Final Predictions & A Look Ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    42 min
  7. NFL predictions after THRILLING opening week! Plus, why is there no Canadian NFL team?

    09/11/2025

    NFL predictions after THRILLING opening week! Plus, why is there no Canadian NFL team?

    Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the World's View of Sport! Todd Harris (USA) and Kate Allman (Australia) are back to discuss the start of the new NFL season alongside special guest, broadcaster and author, Anthony Wootton. In this episode, they dive into the biggest stories from Week 1, including a look at the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, and what that tells us for the season ahead. They also ask the burning question: why does Canada, a sports-mad nation, not have an NFL team? · Lessons learnt from a dramatic Week 1: Are the Los Angeles Chargers a potential dark horse this year after their impressive performance against the Kansas City Chiefs? Plus what a match as the Buffalo Bills' engineered a last-minute comeback win against the Ravens, led by Josh Allen. Is he ‘Superman’ at the Bills? · Swiftmania continues in the NFL: Will Travis Kelce’s engagement to Taylor Swift help boost NFL ratings? Plus what can we read into Travis Kelce's week 1 touchdown and the celebration? · Age-defying performances: Derrick Henry and Aaron Rodgers are continuing to dictate the fortune of their respective teams – we celebrate two greats of the game! · Why does Canada have no NFL teams? Canada is a nation with teams in other major leagues like the NBA, MLS, MLB, and NHL, but does not have an NFL franchise. We discuss why, ask if the dominance of CFL and NHL could be a factor, and ask whether it could all change in the next decade Plus, Todd & Kate analyse the latest chapter in the remarkable rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, which saw the Spaniard win the final Grand Slam of the year at the US Open. They also offer their predictions of who will challenge the duopoly in 2026! 0:00 - Introduction 01:32 - US Open reflection as Sinner & Alcaraz play epic AGAIN 07:03 - Josh Allen heroics & Aaron Rodgers keeps showing his class - NFL week 1 review 19:53 - Where will the NFL expand to internationally next? 25:13 - Why does the NFL not have a Canadian team? 31:25 - There is a LOT of money flowing into college football right now! 40:00 - Predictions for the season! 49:05 - What is coming up in Australia and BREAKING ANGE POSTECOGLOU NEWS! 50:23 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    54 min
  8. Football: The Summer Transfer Window Review & Isak's Record Move

    09/04/2025

    Football: The Summer Transfer Window Review & Isak's Record Move

    Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ The football summer transfer window has slammed shut after a record-breaking period of spending. In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and our newest addition, Carol Tshabalala (South Africa), get an expert take from European football analyst Kevin Hatchard. They dive into the biggest transfers, the new Champions League format, and whether a shift in player power is changing the game. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: Record-Breaking Transfers: A discussion on the Premier League's record-shattering £3 billion spend. We hear from Alexander Isak on his British-record move to Liverpool and analyse the knock-on effects for other clubs. Player Power: A debate on the shift in power towards players in the transfer market, the role of social media, and what the future holds for player contracts. Champions League Draw: We break down the new, complicated Champions League draw and analyse the prospects for teams from across Europe, including PSG, Arsenal, and Tottenham. Transfer Gems & Predictions: The hosts and Kevin Hatchard name their "hidden gems" of the transfer window and give their predictions for who will be crowned Champions League winners. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:46 - Welcome to a new host: Carol Tshabalala! 04:12 - Reviewing the £3 Billion Transfer Window 09:45 - The Bundesliga's Strategy of Developing and Selling Players 13:15 - The Widening Gap Between the Premier League and Other European Leagues 20:22 - The Alexander Isak Saga & Player Power 30:08 - Manchester United's Goalkeeper Situation 36:06 - Arsenal and Chelsea's Transfer Strategy 42:54 - The Best Hidden Gem Signings 45:19 - Champions League Draw Analysis 51:59 - Champions League Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    57 min
See All (41)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

No matter who you are, where you are, or what your sport is, This Sporting Planet gives fans around the world their weekly Sports fix. Renowned broadcasters Natalie Sawyer (Europe/UK), from talkSPORT and ex-Sky Sports, Todd Harris (USA) from NBC, Edward Russell (Singapore) of Class 95 and Fox Sports, and Colette Wong (Singapore), a veteran of CNBC, ESPN and Fox Sports, are joined by Suhail Chandhok (India) from Star Sports, Kate Allman (Australia) of NFL Flag and American Football Australia, and Carol Tshabalala (South Africa) from Supersport and Premier League Productions. Together, this global team explores the stories behind the sports, explaining not just what happened but why it happened, with insights from journalists, guests, and athletes rooted in the regions where the events are taking place. From Europe to America, Asia to Africa, and Australia, this Sporting Planet leaves no stone unturned in its quest to take you behind the scenes of some of the most iconic sporting occasions. Welcome to the tribe! New episodes every week.

Information

  • Creator
    LCA Ltd
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © LCA Ltd
  • Show Website
    This Sporting Planet