Research Podcast Series: Thrive, Don't just survive

Research Podcast Series: Thrive, Don't just survive

Author: South African Sports Medicine Association April 10, 2026 Duration: 34:40

Welcome to the Research Masterclass series, a collaboration between the SASMA Podcast and the Research Masterminds Success Academy. This series was created for clinicians, academics, and professionals who are curious about research but often find the academic world opaque, intimidating, or complicated.

The aim of this series is to slow that conversation down. We want to unpack research in a way that is honest, grounded, and practical.

In this third episode of the series, we are joined by Professor Benita Olivier, and Franso-Marie Olivier to unpack whether it is possible for a balance to exist between research and life. Can we maintain our sanity? Can a social life and well-being exist while conducting research?

Links as discussed in the podcast:

Rethinking work-life balance: A researcher's guide to designing a sustainable academic life: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/rethinking-work-life-balance

From struggling to flourishing: a research-backed framework for PhD wellbeing and productivity: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/phd-wellbeing-and-productivity

Why your research identity matters as much as your methodology: The hidden foundation of academic success: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/why-your-research-identity-matters

Energy management: The secret weapon in academic productivity: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/energy-management-in-academic-productivity


Produced by the South African Sports Medicine Association, SASMA connects the dots between clinical research and the real-world demands of training and competition. This isn't just a lecture series; it's a vital dialogue for anyone invested in athletic performance and well-being. You'll hear experienced sports medicine professionals in candid conversation with the physicians, physiotherapists, sports scientists, and psychologists who work at the forefront of the field. Their discussions delve into the practical applications of new studies, break down emerging treatment innovations, and debate evolving best practices. Whether you're an athlete fine-tuning your recovery, a coach designing safer programs, or a medical practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge, this podcast serves as an ongoing seminar. The conversations are detailed and nuanced, offering actionable insights that bridge the gap between the journal article and the clinic, the lab and the field. Tune in to SASMA for a thoughtful exploration of how the science of sports medicine is continuously refined, challenged, and put into practice.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 43

SASMA
Podcast Episodes
The evolution of medical care in South African Hockey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In today’s episode we look back at an exciting interview with Dr Gavin Shang (Chief Medical Officer of the South African Hockey Association), after a double AFCON gold & subsequent Olympic qualification for both the Men’…
Sports Cardiology - Cardiovascular adaptations to exercise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this epidode, Dr Jan Peter Smedema chats to Associate Professor Thijs Eijsvogel about the cardiovascular adaptations to exercise and differences between sporting disciplines, races, and sexes; the relevance of cardiac…
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Andy Birkett: world champion paddler. Flat water and river paddling. Nominated as 1 of 3 sportsmen of the year last year. Garth Oliver: Andy’s physio when he used to live in Pietermaritzburg. Owns his own multidisciplina…
Cycling and High Performance with Prof Jeroen Swart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:49
In todays episode we chat to Prof Jeroen Swart, a Professor of Sports Medicine at the University of Cape Town and Specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine. Jeroen holds a PhD in exercise science and is responsible for…
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Duration: 26:45
In a special Women’s Month podcast, Dr Nikita Fensham chats to Dr Kathryn Ackerman about being a woman in sports medicine and her experience working with female athletes. Dr Ackerman is a sports medicine physician and en…