The Robbie Bourke Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 291: Dr. Valerie Giangrande - Circadian biology and eye health Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

This episode I speak with Dr Valerie Giangrande.

Dr. Valerie Giangrande is a New York based Optometrist and Quantum Biology Practitioner. Dr. Giagrande brings a unique perspective to optometry, specializing in circadian biology, epigenetics and nutrition and their contributions to ocular health.

On this episode we discuss:

Valerie's background
What was it like for Valerie when she first learned about circadian biology and health
How to optimize our eye health through the lens of circadian biology
How sunglasses can contribute to sunburn
What are Valerie's thoughts on sunscreens?
Valerie's thoughts on indoor lighting
What health benefits did Valerie experience when she improved her circadian health
Valerie gives her thoughts on chrononutrition

This was agreat discussion with Valerie and I hope you all enjoy it.

Show Notes:

Instagram - quantuameyedoc

Website - quantumeyedoc

Books mentioned:

Lights Out - TS Wiley

Podcasts mentioned:

Joe Rogan - The Sleep Loss Epidemic

Episode 12: An Interview with Dr. Jack Kruse

Episode 194: Dr. Jack Kruse - Light, water, magnetism, mitochondria, and getting your message out there

People and resources Mentioned:

Episode 290: Tim Kettering - energy systems development Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

This episode I speak with Tim Kettering.

Tim Kettenring is a human performance coach and rehab specialist with extensive experience at every level of sport, from developmental to professional, as well as the general population.

Tim is the President and Director of Performance for Maverick Human Performance which provides coaching, consulting and education services to coaches, competitive athletes, and everyday athletes around the world.

Tim is widely recognized as a subject matter expert on energy system development for athletes.

On this episode we discuss:

Tim's background?
What Tim has learned from coaching Rugby
Tim's biggest influences
We talk energy system development - assessment and prescription
Anaerobic vs aerobic vs hydrid subtypes
Aerobic vs alactic development
Supplements to aid energy system development

This was a great discussion with Tim and I hope you all enjoy it.

Show Notes:

Website - maverickhumanperformance.com

Books mentioned:

Ultimate MMA conditioning

Science of Sports Training

People and resources Mentioned:

Chidi Enyia

Eddie Lee

Mark Uyeyama

St. Mary's University Twickenham - MSc strength and conditioning

Episode 289 - Donie Fox - Principles and practices for human movement and performance Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

This episode's guest is Donie Fox.
Donie Fox is an Irish physiotherapist, athletic development coach, and educator committed to advancing human performance through evidence- and experience-based rehabilitation and coaching. As the Founder and Clinical Director of RTP Physio, he is curating a patient-centred, movement-based approach while currently pursuing a Doctorate in Human Performance and Innovation at the University of Limerick. His work spans all levels of sport and is grounded in a commitment to quality, clarity, and care.

On this episode we discuss:

Donie's background
Donie's influences
Biggest problems Donie see's with the rehab and performance professions
Donie discusses his system for RTP
What have been Donies biggest challenges as a practitioner and coach
Donie talks about his professional doctorate
Donie gives his thoughts on manual therapy
If Donie could have dinner with 5 people, dead or alive, who would he choose and why?

This was agreat discussion with Donie and I hope you all enjoy it.

Show Notes:

Instagram - doniefox

Instagram - RTP

Website - rtp.physio

Books mentioned:

Polyvagul Theory

People and resources Mentioned:

Postural Restoration Institute (PRI)

Episode 288: Circadian disruption and metabolic syndrome (MetS) Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

Just a solo episode on circadian disruption and metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Enjoy.
RB

Episode 287: Opposition analysis for hurling Nov 30, 2024

Show notes

Solo podcast on opposition anlysis for hurling.

Enjoy,
RB

Articles mentioned:

Redefining Strength: High Force Does Not Equal High Load

The Force System in Training

Resources mentioned:

The Coach Analyst course

Episode 286: Solo podcast - Jesus not nutrition!! Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Just a solo podcast on some thoughtas round nutrition

Enjoy.

Episode 285: Solo Episode - Developing Player (Personized) Developmental Plans (PDPs) Sep 29, 2024

Show notes

Solo episode on developing Player (or Personized) Developmental Plans (PDPs)
Enjoy,
RB

Episode 284: Jason Hettler - Speed and agility coach IMG Academy Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

This episode sees the return of Jason Hettler to the podcast.
Jason is the Speed and Agility Coach at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Prior to this he was the Performance and Innovation Manager at ALTIS in Phoenix, Arizona where his role included leading a group of sprinters, consulting with various professional sporting organizations, creating and editing education content, internship coordination, and media/marketing.

On this episode we discuss:

Jason's role at IMG
How did Jason build his COD/ agility model
Jason shares his annual schedule with his Tennis players
He discuss performance therapy for tennis players
I ask Jason about his microcycle set up
I ask Jason about the differences between training sprinters vs tennis players
We discuss training transfer and skills vs capacities
We discuss training load and staying healthy
What is the biggest thing Jason has changed his mind on lately?
What is Jason's favorite Glam Slam
How did Jason develop his ESD model
How has fatherhood changed him
What projects is Jason working on?

This was agreat discussion with Jason and I hope you all enjoy it.

Show Notes:

Website - www.hettlerperformance.com

Twitter - @jhettler24

Instagram - jhettler24

Books Mentioned:

Going Somewhere: Truth about a Life in Science

Thinking Fast and Slow

People and Resources Mentioned:

Episode 283: Nigel O'Hara - Kildare senior hurling coach Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

This episode's guest is Nigel O'Hara who is currently the Kildare senior hurling coach and formely the hurling coach to the Na Fianna senior hurlers who won their first ever Dublin senior hurling title last season (2023).

On this episode we discuss:

Nigel's background
Would Nigel ever considering completling a UFEA soccer course
Who have been Nigel's biggest coaching influence
I ask Nigel what is his coaching philosophy and principles
Nigel gives his take on games-based training and technical work
We discuss the game moments, set plays, and KPIs
We discuss defensive puck outs
How Nigel got involved with the Kildare senior hurlers
We discuss the current state of Dublin senior hurling
We discuss in-game management
How does Nigel facilitate half-time with teams

This was agreat discussion with Nigel and I hope you all enjoy it.

Show Notes:

Twitter - @nigelohara06

Videos Mentioned:

A Games Centred Approach Developing Decision Makers - Paul Kinnerk

GAA Games Development Conference 2017 - Paul Kinnerk

Papers Mentioned:

A tactical periodisation model for Gaelic football

A Tactical Periodization Approach for Rugby Union

People and Resources Mentioned:

Mike Dwyer

Episode 282: Peter Wright - speed development and RTP for team sports Jun 30, 2024

Show notes

This episode's guest is Peter Wright of Petey Performance.

Peter is a Strength & Conditioning/ Performance coach currently in based in Ireland. He has worked with elite athletes in a variety of sports throughout the world, specifically international representatives in rugby, soccer, athletics, boxing, basketball, tennis, golf, cricket and sailing, as well as many intercounty GAA hurlers and footballers.
You can see Peter's full biography here.
On this episode we discuss:

Peter's background
Peter's professional and personal influences
Peter's training system
We discuss linear and mutli-directional speed/ agility development with team sport athletes
We discuss return to performance (RTP)

This was agreat discussion with Peter and I hope you all enjoy it.

Show Notes:

Instagram - peteyperformance

Twitter - @peteyperform9

Website - peteyperformance.com

People and Resources Mentioned:

Daniel Moore - currently Head S&C at Landsdowne Rugby

Alan Murdoch