The Stronger Stride Podcast

280. Women in Sport: From Olympic Water Polo to Making Running Safer with Kerry Turner
Today we’re joined by Kerry Turner, an Olympian, sports leader, and advocate for increasing women’s participation, safety, and sense of belonging in sport.
Kerry shares her journey from representing Australia in water polo to leading initiatives focused on creating more inclusive and empowering sporting environments for women and girls. We hear about her Olympic experience, the pioneering role her mother played in women’s water polo, and the changes she has witnessed across women’s sport over the years.
We also dive into the important issue of safety in running. Kerry discusses the research behind women’s experiences of safety while running, the barriers this can create to participation, and initiatives such as Run My Way and Play Her Way that are working to create more welcoming and accessible spaces for women and girls.
We discuss:
Kerry’s journey from water polo to the Olympic Games

Her mother’s pioneering role in women’s water polo

The fight for women’s water polo to become an Olympic sport

What we can do to increase participation among women and girls

Why safety, visibility, and belonging matter in women’s sport

The research around women’s safety and running habits

The Run My Way and Play Her Way initiatives

The role of media and representation in shaping women’s sport

Mental health, body image, and the pressures facing young women

How men can become better allies in creating safer sporting environments

This is a really important conversation about more than just getting women to participate in sport. It’s about creating environments where women and girls feel safe, welcome, represented, and worthy of being there.
Kerry’s perspective is both inspiring and practical, and this episode is a great reminder that creating change in sport isn’t just about participation numbers — it’s about building communities where people genuinely feel like they belong.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Kerry Turner's journey and work
02:42 Kerry's early sporting career and Olympic experience
08:49 Her mother's pioneering role in women's water polo
12:43 The fight for inclusion in the Olympics
17:43 The rise of women's sport in Australia
22:57 Strategies to support women and girls in sport
25:31 The Run My Way initiative and safety in running
11:04 Research findings on women's safety and running habits
27:45 The importance of male allyship and community support
22:12 Innovative programs and pilot projects for safer spaces
11:05 The future vision for women's participation in sport
32:54 Closing thoughts and call to action
Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@sophielane⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠
YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: ⁠15% off Tailwind Nutrition⁠
STRONGERSTRIDE: ⁠15% off Vivobarefoot shoes⁠
STRONGER15: ⁠15% off Skorcha Sunscreen⁠
Thanks for tuning in!
TSSP x

We have a few coaching spots available: ⁠⁠www.strongerstridecoaching.com⁠

In this episode, Dan Stern, founder of Comfy Selections, Pace Athletic Crows Nest manager & training lead AND self-proclaimed "shoe guy" joins the show. We discuss:

- The 3F's for finding the right pair of shoes
- Why you're probably wearing the wrong size shoe
- Understanding different shoe categories
- Should everyone race in carbon-plated shoes?
And so much more.

Follow Dan:
Instagram: @comfyselections
YouTube: Comfy Selections

Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@strongerstride⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@lydia_mckay⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sophielane⁠⁠
YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Our website: ⁠⁠⁠www.strongerstride.com.au⁠⁠⁠
Coaching: www.strongerstridecoaching.com⁠⁠

Thanks for tuning in!

278.Should You Listen To Music When You Run? What does the research say!?
We’re back talking about music! This is part 2 of the music science series, scroll back to 275 for part 1.
In this episode, Lydia dives into a recent systematic review exploring how listening to music during exercise affects perceived exertion, performance, and physiological responses.
We often use music to motivate us, distract us from discomfort, or get us through a tough session — but what does the research actually tell us? And does music change what’s happening physiologically, or does it simply change how exercise feels?
We cover:
How music affects perceived exertion during running

What the systematic review found about exercise performance

The difference between subjective and physiological responses to music

Why music can make exercise feel easier without changing heart rate or lactate

How music may influence pacing, motivation, and effort

Whether music has any implications for injury risk

How runners can use music strategically during training and racing

Interestingly, the research suggests that music can significantly reduce perceived exertion and may provide a small improvement in performance, without necessarily changing physiological measures such as heart rate or lactate.
So, if music makes your run feel easier, is that actually useful? And could you use it as a tool to help with pacing and motivation?
If you’re a runner who loves a good playlist, this episode breaks down what’s happening beneath the surface — and how you can use music more intentionally in your training.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to the episode and recent research
02:09 Overview of the systematic review and its significance
04:03 Research methodology and participant demographics
07:44 Main findings: perceived exertion and performance effects
11:04 Physiological vs subjective effects of music during exercise
14:24 Practical implications for runners and injury risk
17:44 Using music as a tool for pacing and motivation
19:58 Summary of key takeaways and practical advice
22:44 Final thoughts on mindful use of music in running
Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@sophielane⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠
YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: ⁠15% off Tailwind Nutrition⁠
STRONGERSTRIDE: ⁠15% off Vivobarefoot shoes⁠
STRONGER15: ⁠15% off Skorcha Sunscreen⁠
Thanks for tuning in!
TSSP x

In this episode, Meg Chapple shares her journey into elite endurance sport.
Her accolades include:
1st - 2022 World Triathlon Age-Group Championships Abu Dhabi
1st - 2023 Europe Triathlon Championships Madrid
2nd - 2025 World Triathlon Age-Group Championships Wollongong
Guernsy National Marathon Record - 2:49
Countless podiums and very impressive times across triathlon, running, cycling and more recently; HYROX.

We discussed her training strategies, balancing multiple disciplines, and insights into her race preparations for Sydney Marathon. Listeners will gain practical advice on training, recovery, and maintaining enjoyment in endurance sports. There's a lot that we can all learn from Meg's approach!

Find her on instagram @meganchapple

Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@strongerstride⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@lydia_mckay⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@sophielane⁠
YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠
Our website: ⁠⁠www.strongerstride.com.au⁠⁠
Run coaching: https://strongerstridecoaching.carrd.co/

Thanks for tuning in!

This episode explores the emerging science behind lactate gels in endurance sports, debunking myths and examining recent research to understand their potential impact on performance.

Sophie covers:

- The science of lactate and its role in energy production
- Recent high-profile use of lactate gels by elite athletes
- Comparison of different lactate gel products and their ingredients
- Research findings on lactate supplementation and performance
- Physiological mechanisms of lactate as a fuel source

Relevant episodes:
- Training Zones
- VO2max & Lactate Threshold w/ Nick Jankovskis
- Dr Bill Evans - The Physiology of Running

Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@strongerstride⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@lydia_mckay⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@sophielane⁠
YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠
Our website: ⁠www.strongerstride.com.au⁠

Thanks for tuning in!