Four academics from The Open University are working with BBC Sport’s ‘The Sports Desk’ series in four unique specials, which launched to mark International Women’s Day.
This week, the first BBC Sports Desk podcast episodes became available on BBC Sounds. The groundbreaking series is called ‘Women’s Sport Matters’ and will focus on some of the unique aspects to female performance that are often forgotten about.
Hosted by journalist, Katie Smith, The Sports Desk podcast specials dive into the biggest talking points in sport and features interviews with stars and influential figures, as well as discussion and debate around the issues that resonate beyond the field.
OU academics, Caroline Heaney, Simon Rea, Candice Lingam-Willgoss, and Jessica Pinchbeck each feature as guest voices on the podcast, with Professor Ben Oakley acting as the lead academic on the project.
In the first episode of the new series, Katie Smith explores how the menstrual cycle affects performance and some of the myths around periods in sport. Bristol Bears’ back-rower, Daisie Mayes, and former British distance runner, Pippa Woolven, make an appearance, while Open University Senior Lecturer in Sport and Fitness, Simon Rea, and Dr Emma Ross from the Well HQ tell listeners about the latest research into whether periods can boost athletic ability.
Subsequent episodes will focus on changes in women’s sportswear, exercise influences, and psychological aspects of sports injury.
Ben Oakley, lead academic on the project, said: “We are really proud to be collaborating with the BBC so closely on this series, especially since it raises topics that have not often been explored before. We hope it helps shift perceptions amongst both men and women and supports change.”
The episodes air on the following dates:
EP 1 We’re Not All The Same Period (stream now)
EP 2 Changing What We Wear (stream now)
EP 3 Which Heals Quicker – The Body Or The Mind? (10 March)
EP 4 Exercise Me, Influence Me (11 March)
This series was commissioned by Broadcast and Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, with particular relevance to BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching I Q76, Diploma of Higher Education in Sport and Fitness I W07 and Certificate of Higher Education in Sport, Fitness and Management I T05.
- Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Head of Broadcast & Partnerships
- Academic Consultants: Prof. Ben Oakley, Candice Lingam-Willgoss, Dr Caroline Heaney, Dr Nichola Kentzer and Dr Jessica Pinchbeck.
- Media Fellow: Simon Rea
- Broadcast Project Manager: Matthew Ray
- Broadcast Platforms and Public Engagement Manager: Andrew Hudson
Supporting Online content:
Visit our NEW Broadcast & Partnerships site, where you can find extensive resources and information on topics related to this series, including Test your knowledge of the menstrual cycle and how it relates to athletic performance.
Find out more:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0f7lhy6
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/netball/64786152
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/64797365
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/64900171
Picture credit: Spaxiax for Shutterstock
