The STA Clinician Podcast

In Ep.296 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Andy Hosgood and Andrew McCauley, founders of the Unbound Project, to discuss "Collaboration Over Competition" and five practical strategies to grow your MSK practice without burning out.

Many healthcare professionals have considered leaving the profession at some point. Not because they stopped caring, but because they cared so much that their own growth, wellbeing and aspirations slowly slipped to the bottom of the list. You work hard, develop your clinical skills and keep progressing, yet still find yourself wondering: "What's next?" For many practitioners, that feeling can eventually lead to frustration, isolation and burnout.

This episode tackles this issue head on, looking at defining personal success, shifting identity from clinician to leader, managing capacity and reflection, using peer collaboration and coaching, and protecting your wellbeing, plus tools and community resources like the scorecard, apps, and a moderated support network.

For details of how to complete the UP scorecard and join the free Unbound Project Community, see the links below.   

Therapy Show 2026
Andrew and Andy will both be speaking at Therapy Show this year. on November 25/26th at the NEC Birmingham:

• “Beyond clinical expertise: exploring your healthcare journey together”
  - Day 1: 09:30am in Business and Practice Leadership Theatre
  
  
• “Strength training: how to apply progressive overload with minimal equipment”
  - Day 1: 3:50pm in Clinical Skills Lab

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:05:57 - Unbound Project Goals
• 00:16:19 - Defining Success Clearly
• 00:32:32 - Capacity And Reflection
• 00:45:28 - Listening And Coaching
• 01:02:25 - Andrew McCauley and Andy Hosgood at Therapy Show 2026

Useful Links

• The Unbound Project Website
• The Unbound Project Scorecard
• Andrew McCauley Website: ProCareSportsMedicine 
• Andy Hosgood Website
• Andy and Andrew at Therapy Show 2026

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.

In Ep.295 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Jamie Johnston, a massage therapist, firefighter and educator from British Columbia, Canada. Jamie is best known as founder of the Massage Therapist Development Centre (MTDC) and host of 'The New Generation Massage Therapist' podcast.

Jamie discusses the evolving role of massage therapists — shifting from passive tissue work to evidence-informed biopsychosocial care. He talks about pain science, the therapeutic power of movement, consent and communication, and why mental health must be part of clinical practice.

He shares practical approaches for opening conversations, spotting mental-health concerns, preventing suicide, and building clinician resilience, plus resources and training for therapists seeking to expand their skills.

Practical takeaways: check CPD course accreditation, consider your career goals and context, and consult professional bodies to make an informed choice about the route that best fits your aims.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:02:45 - Massage Therapy Scope in Canada
• 00:07:36 - Rethinking 'Muscle Release' Language
• 00:11:20 - Why Informed Consent Requires Better Communication
• 00:18:09 - Patient Language vs Clinician language 
• 00:21:29 - The New Generation Massage Therapist Podcast: Why The Name?
• 00:24:51 - Why Mental Health Matters for the Modern Clinician
• 00:33:39 - Practical Language Shifts
• 00:39:53 - Boundaries in Mental Health Talks with Patients 
• 00:45:15 - Mental Health Courses with Jamie Johnston

Useful Links

• Jamie Johnston Website: TheMTDC.com
• Massage Therapist Development Centre on Facebook 
• Jamie Johnston on Instagram
• The New Generation Massage Therapist on Apple Podcasts

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.

Apologies in advance: Due to technical issues during the live recording, the audio for this episode is sadly lower then normal. Attempts have been made to improve it. If you would like captions, please visit the Sports Therapy Association YouTube channel where an audiogram has been uploaded. 

In Ep.294, we explore whether Sports Therapy is best studied via a university degrees or vocational training. Host Matt Phillips is joined by Sarah Catlow, Chair of the Sports Therapy Organisation (STO), Kate Williams, Head of Education for The Society of Sports Therapists (SST), and Gary Benson, Founder of the STA. Together, they discuss strengths and weaknesses of each route, the need for clear standards and accreditation, and how scopes of practice and employability differ across qualifications.

The guests agree the debate is not simply one or the other: qualifications sit on a progression ladder, and standards, external scrutiny, and professional body membership matter. Topics include mature students, apprenticeships, the risk of mis‑selling courses, workforce demand, and practical advice for choosing an educational pathway.

Practical takeaways: check accreditation, consider your career goals and context, and consult professional bodies to make an informed choice about the route that best fits your aims.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Apology for sound quality in this episode
• 00:02:14 - Degree or Vocational?
• 00:08:13 - Sports Massage Versus Therapy
• 00:11:42 - Standards and Regulation
• 00:14:25 - Unifying the Profession
• 00:16:44 - University Quality Controls
• 00:21:00 - Graduate Jobs and Outcomes
• 00:24:03 - Employment, Membership, and Pay
• 00:28:25 - Degrees, Diplomas, and Routes
• 00:32:19 - Fast-Track and Flexible Study
• 00:35:17 - Hidden Problems in Courses
• 00:38:46 - Toward One Regulatory Body
• 00:42:57 - Ladder or Roundabout?
• 00:45:47 - Scope of Practice Matters
• 00:47:39 - Certificates and Competence
• 00:49:08 - Choosing the Right Path
• 00:51:22 - Final Advice and Wrap-Up

Useful Links

• Society of Sports Therapists (SST) website 
• Sports Therapy Organisation (STO) website 
• Sports Therapy Association (STA) website 

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.

Episode 293 of the STA Clinician Podcast explores the history, purpose and current priorities of the General Council for Manual Therapies (GCMT). Host Matt Phillips is joined by GCMT chair Ruth Duncan, vice chair Susan Findlay, and STA founder Gary Benson to discuss regulation, education standards, professional associations, and protecting public safety.

The guests reflect on the GCMT’s origins, challenges with inconsistent training and online courses, relationships with CNHC, and practical steps for improving CPD, governance and public guidance. They also share how the GCMT supports small associations, influences public-facing information, and promotes evidence-informed practice.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:05:04 - Ruth Duncan's Manual Therapy Journey
• 00:08:39 - Susan Findlay's Path to Oncology
• 00:11:23 - GCMT History Explained
• 00:18:41 - Standards Under Pressure
• 00:28:34 - Guiding Courses, Not Judging
• 00:32:26 - Reaching the Unregistered Majority
• 00:38:21 - Support Models Versus Business
• 00:45:53 - Raising Public Awareness
• 00:55:11 - Upcoming Work and Events

Useful Links

• GCMT Website
• STA Website 

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.

In Ep. 292 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips moves into the guest chair, allowing STA founder Gary Benson to interview him about his specialist focus: thinking and communication in practice. They also discuss why, after a decade as "Runchatlive", Matt has launched his new website, MattPhillips.Education.

The episode explores why labelling a patient as "difficult" often misses the point, and how shifting the focus from changing the person to adjusting the environment, improving communication, and using approaches such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can better support patients and clients, whether they are neurodivergent or neuromajority.

Also mentioned is Matt's Facebook Group 'Neurodivergent MSK Clinicians', talks at this year's Therapy Show , the new 'Reflective CPD Journal' by Neuroflect UK , and Matt's up & coming collaboration with The Unbound Project on July 14th. 

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:03:17 - Matt Phillips: From Host to Guest
• 00:08:59 - Rethinking Difficult Conversations
• 00:12:42 - Ask Before Assumptions
• 00:21:33 - Inclusive Design for Everyone
• 00:32:20 - Therapy Show and Neurodiversity
• 00:42:08 - Listening Over More Advice
• 00:46:11 - Communication, Not Fixing
• 00:58:33 - The Unbound Project
• 01:01:01 - What Listeners Should Take Away
• 01:04:42 - A New Identity in Healthcare
• 01:07:34 - On the show next week

Useful Links

• Website: MattPhillips.Education
• Communication Skills for Clinicians CPD Course 
• July 14th: Exploring Workplace Conversations Through a Neurodiversity Lens - with the Unbound Project
• Matt Phillips at Therapy Show November 2026
• Facebook Group: Neurodivergent MSK Clinicians
• The Reflective CPD Journal by Sarah Meharg and Rosi Sexton

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.

In Ep.291 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips speaks with special guest Tim Allardyce, founder of Rehab My Patient, about his recent ascent of Mount Everest — the physical challenges, medical issues experienced (frostnip, mild frostbite, and a posterior tibial DVT), and the grit it took to reach the summit. Tim shares his preparation and acclimatization strategies, the role of Sherpa teams, and the charity work funded by the expedition to support local schools, an orphanage and Sherpa communities. A truly inspiring episode you do not want to miss! 

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:03:00 - Introducing our guest Tim Allardyce
• 00:04:37 - DVT Scare and training for Mount Everest
• 00:17:45 - Charity Efforts in Nepal
• 00:23:39 - Summit Day and Oxygen Training
• 00:29:35 - Sherpa Support and Local Culture
• 00:33:24 - The Brutal Summit Push
• 00:42:06 - Mindset Over Mountain Hardship
• 00:47:38 - Risk, Reflection, and Return
• 00:51:10 - Would You Recommend Climbing Everest?
• 00:54:49 - Closing Notes and Next Episode

Useful Links

• Donate to Tim's chosen charities
• Tim Allardyce on Facebook
• Tim Allardyce on Instagram
• Tim Allardyce on Tiktok
• Rehab My Patient Website
  

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.

In this episode, we take a look ahead at the 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, happening on Saturday 20th June in Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Joining host Matt Phillips is conference organiser Mike Grice from Movement Therapy Education, and Performance Sports Physio Kieran McMahon.

Together, they give an exclusive preview of what’s in store — including insights from a fantastic speaker line up featuring Mike James, Tristen Attenborough, Carol Seaborne, Rosy Sexton, and more. The episode discusses the event’s focus on movement, soft-tissue therapy, exercise integration, and practical hands-on learning, and covers practical highlights: sessions on ankle assessment and return-to-play, neurodynamics and nerves, MMA injury insight, networking opportunities, CPD accreditation and ticket details for delegates.

Useful Links

• Midlands STA Conference
• Sports Therapy Association Website
• Movement Therapy Education Website 

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.

In Ep..289 of the STA Clinician Podcast — 'Accreditation, Employability and the Future of Sports Therapy' — we explore how accreditation is shaping the future of the sports therapy profession and what it really means for employability.

Host Matt Phillips is joined by two expert voices from PD:Approval — an international, independent accrediting organisation specialising in the health and fitness sector:

• Tom Bell, Founder & CEO
• Yolande Green, Qualifications Developer and Manager

Also present is Gary Benson, founder of the Sports Therapy Association. Together, they unpack the importance of quality assurance, industry standards, and professional recognition, and discuss how education providers and practitioners can better position themselves in an evolving landscape, as well as taking a closer look at PD:Approval’s role in supporting training providers.

Also mentioned is the up & coming Midlands STA Conference which is happening on June 20th in Ludlow, in association with Mike Grice & Movement Therapy Education. Details & Tickets can be found here. 

Chapter Markers

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
• 00:04:35 - Why PD:Approval was set up
• 00:11:29 - STA Accreditation Vision
• 00:16:11 - Yolande’s Industry Journey
• 00:27:02 - Why Quality Matters
• 00:28:10 - Course Misinformation Risks
• 00:36:49 - Funding Shapes Training
• 00:44:05 - Membership and Standards
• 00:54:22 - How Listeners Can Help
• 01:05:40 - Trust Your Instincts
• 01:06:46 - Midlands STA Conference on June 20th in Ludlow

Useful Links

• PD:Approval Website
• Sports Therapy Association Website
• Midlands STA 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.

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.

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.