ShuttleSquad - Badminton Podcast

The full squad is back! 🎙️ Christo Popov, Kirsty Gilmour, Marvin Seidel, and Thommy Fuchs dive into the 2025 World Championships, sharing their highs, surprises, and personal experiences.From Kirsty’s close battles in Paris to Christo’s electric winning set that made the arena erupt, the team relives the best moments and the passion of the French fans. They also discuss the rise of Indonesian badminton, Yamaguchi’s quiet dominance, and the unexpected medal stories that defined the tournament.Beyond Paris, Christo gives a glimpse into the hectic Hong Kong swing, Kirsty recalls the drama of Hong Kong tournaments (and the legendary welcome dinners 🍣), and Marvin reflects on team league matches in Denmark, preparing for his comeback and the upcoming home highlight at the HYLO Open. Thommy, meanwhile, shares his wild first experience competing at the European AirBadminton Championships in Baku.An episode full of insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and laughs — perfect for anyone who loves badminton at the highest level.

Kirsty Gilmour is back on Shuttlesquad! In episode 51, Thommy catches up with her after an eventful few weeks — from winning the Badminton XL League in Jakarta to battling through injuries in Finland. Kirsty shares how the unique 3v3 format works, why doubles players impressed her more than ever, and why the HYLO Open hall remains one of the toughest on tour.They also talk German “efficiency,” shuttle buses that never arrive, and Thommy’s recent engagement (congrats!). It’s a mix of behind-the-scenes badminton chaos, humor, and heartfelt life moments — classic Shuttlesquad energy.

Episode 50! Thommy is joined by Christo Popov and Marvin Seidel for a boys’ club special. Christo reflects on back-to-back semifinals, breaking into the world’s top 10, and the pressure of being the hunted instead of the hunter. Marvin talks about adjusting to mixed doubles, building a new partnership, and finding rhythm at smaller tournaments.The squad also dives deep into the hidden complexity of badminton tactics and the chaos of windy conditions, before looking ahead to the European leg: Denmark, French Open, and a “home” showdown in Saarbrücken. Plus, memories of first tournaments, commentary confessions, and why the smallest details make the biggest difference.#Shuttlesquad #BadmintonPodcast #BadmintonLife #InsideBadminton

In this special episode, Thommy sits down with danish legend Hans-Kristian Vittinghus at the World Championships in Paris. From his early memories of the Bitburger Open to becoming Denmark’s men’s singles coach, HK shares candid reflections on his career highs, the Thomas Cup victory, and the challenges of missing out on the Olympics.They dive into:- The transition from player to coach and how relationships with teammates change- Building Denmark’s next generation of singles players- Perspectives on national training setups vs. independent paths- Why he’s stepped back from social media and commentary to focus on players- His biggest career moments and long-term coaching goalsAn honest, insightful conversation with one of badminton’s most respected voices—don’t miss it.#Shuttlesquad #BadmintonPodcast #HansKristianVittinghus #BWF #DenmarkBadminton #ThomasCup #BadmintonCoaching

In this special episode, recorded during the Badminton World Championships in Paris, Thommy sits down with Greg and Jenny Mairs, the creators of Badminton Insight and (former) professional mixed doubles players from England. They share the story behind their journey — from competing on the World Tour to building one of the most popular badminton content platforms in the world.We hope you enjoy this special! Let us know in the comments if we should do more episodes with guests. And if you are watching the video of this episode: sorry for the bad lighting. #shuttlesquad #badmintonpodcast #badmintoninsight

The Badminton World Championships in Paris are over - at least for the Squad. Kirsty lost to Thuy Linh Nguyen in round 2 and Christo was defeated by world number 1 Shi Yuqi in the round of 16. A day after the dramatic match in the Adidas Arena, Thommy and Christo are wrapping up Christo's week. They take you on a journey through his week - from arriving in Paris, through final preparations, first matches and the dramatic ending that came earlier than we all hoped for. A short, near live episode straight from our hotel room in rainy Paris. Enjoy! Thanks for tuning in - like, subscribe and let us know your thoughts in the comments :) #Badminton #Shuttlesquad #BWFWorldChampionships #Paris #ChristoPopov #ThommyFox

This week, Thommy, Kirsty, and Christo are joined by special guest & former co-host Selena Piek for a heartfelt (and often hilarious) conversation about her retirement from professional badminton. From career highlights to behind-the-scenes tour memories, Selina opens up about the highs, lows, and lessons from over 15 years on court.The crew also chats about life after sport, Olympic dreams, funny travel moments, and the new 25-second shot clock being trialed at the World Championships.🎧 Watch & listen now on Spotify & Youtube.#Shuttlesquad #BadmintonPodcast #SelenaPiek #BWF #InsideBadminton

An episode planned as a little 20-minute chat between Kirsty and Thommy turned into a full 40min+ one with loads of different interesting topics:- Preparations for the World Championships - especially working on details and the suspicious, guilty feeling of tapering before an important competition. - Kirsty's show debut at the worldfamous Fringe Festival- Badminton dropping out of the Commomwealth Games - The endless comeback journey of Mark Lamsfuß- Doping in Badmintonand much more If you like our podcast please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform and also follow us on Instagram @shuttlesquad.podcast

Christo, Kirsty, and Thommy reunite to talk about the highs, lows, and windy chaos of recent tournaments. From the extreme court conditions at the China Open to wild service errors and personal updates, it’s another honest and entertaining deep dive into life on tour.Highlights:Christo’s win over Jonatan Christie (and why it felt more like surviving than playing)Kirsty explains the madness of “Court 1” in ChinaVenue conditions, shuttle control, and the need for air-con solutionsThommy shares his basketball announcing adventures at the World University GamesAnd… possibly the worst badminton serve of 2025?Available now on Spotify and YouTube.#Shuttlesquad #BadmintonPodcast #Episode42 #ChristoPopov #KirstyGilmour #ChinaOpen #BWF

In episode 41 of ShuttleSquad, Marvin and Thommy are on their own as Kirsty and Christo are both without solid internet connection during the China Open. The boys take their time on recapping the Japan Open, especially the way Christo's semifinal run ended and also discussed the new World Rankings which Thommy did not really have on his list. Key Take-aways: - The french men's singles trio is not done yet - Seo is a magician - Thommy does not watch enough badminton + we get a little update from the Word University Games. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy episode 41.

For the first time online, all four hosts are present! Kirsty, Christo, Marvin, and Thommy reunite for a full squad episode. From tournament grind to solo travel, revenge matches to odd food adventures – this one has it all.Highlights include:Kirsty’s reflections on traveling solo in AsiaMarvin’s Canada recap and tactical lessonsChristo joining mid-episode straight from the physio after his Japan Open match New projects: the Women's Badminton League (WBL)A truly unforgettable cucumber experience in ChengduTune in for laughs, insights, and questionable food descriptions. Available now on Spotify and Youtube.#Shuttlesquad #BadmintonPodcast #Episode40 #BWF #InsideBadminton #WBL #ChristoPopov #MarvinSeidel #KirstyGilmour

Join host Thommy and Kirsty as they welcome the second guest in ShuttleSquad history: Mia Blichfeldt for an unfiltered Girls Club session. They talk dropping bad habits, major life changes, the Women’s Badminton Collective, and confront one important topic, that is still too often tabooed: menstrual cycle in elite competition.What You’ll Discover in This Episode:How two Olympians became roommates, friends, and then co‑foundersMia’s bold move to train and live in southern France—for love, performance and mental health.A deeper dive into WBC’s goals: equal opportunities, tournaments, and visibility for female athletesWhy male coaches need to talk—and openly—with female athletes💬 Your voice matters: Like, comment, subscribe—and help push conversations forward for female athletes everywhere.Follow Women’s Badminton Collective: @wbc_badmintonFollow the athletes: @kirstygilmourr @mia_blichfeldt and out host @thommyfox#GirlsClub #WomenInSport #Badminton #WBC #shuttlesquad #podcast

This week, it’s just the guys! With Kirsty on holiday, Christo Popov and Marvin Seidel join Thommy for a wide-ranging chat on all things badminton. From life after a short break to the challenges of climbing the rankings, the group gets real about the demands of the tour, the state of the sport, and what keeps them going.💬 Plus: some bold opinions, laughs, and a few personal updates from Christo and Marvin.🎧 Watch and listen now on Spotify and Youtube.#Shuttlesquad #BadmintonPodcast #Episode38 #ChristoPopov #MarvinSeidel #BWF #InsideBadminton

Thommy catches up with Christo Popov and Kirsty Gilmour after the recent Asian tour. Christo shares insights on the tough conditions in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, while Kirsty talks training, travel, and tournament life. Plus, the squad dives into hot takes on nutrition, doubles vs. singles, and An Se-young’s future.🎧 Tune in for laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and sharp badminton chat!

In this exciting episode 36 of the ShuttleSquad – Badminton Podcast, Kirsty, Marvin, and Thommy dive into some major upcoming changes in the world of badminton, while Christo is busy competing in the Singapore Open semifinals.Thommy brings a fresh perspective by sharing lessons from recent tennis and gymnastics tournaments—what can badminton learn from these sports?And don’t miss the end of the episode, where Marvin opens up with some personal stories and insights you won’t want to miss.Tune in, get inspired, and stay ahead of the game with Episode 36 of the ShuttleSquad!

In this episode, host Thomas Fuchs is joined by Christo Popov and Kirsty Gilmour to take a deep dive into the current badminton scoring system. Is it holding the sport back? Could a change make it more attractive? The squad shares their thoughts, debates possible improvements, and explores how tweaking the system could elevate the game to new heights.This week, the crew also introduces something new: Three Hot Takes. Bold, controversial, and sure to spark debate—find out what they are and why the squad is fired up about them!Finally, Christo Popov gives exclusive insights into his Malaysia Masters draw, which kicks off on May 20th.Enjoy Episode 35 of the ShuttleSquad!

Who's the best coach Marvin's ever had? What is he focussing on while doing video analysis? Is there a training exercise Marvin really hates? In this one on one episode the newly crowned winner of the Luxembourg Open in mixed doubles Marvin Seidel & Thommy Fuchs are discussing these - and many more questions - regarding Marvin's life as a professional badminton player. Enjoy episode 34 of the ShuttleSquad!

Is the badminton calendar too full? How can we create more highlights? When is it okay to push through an injury and when is it better to call it off? Are we all just a little tired of badminton after a fast paced start to 2025? Kirsty, Marvin, and Thommy discussing all these topics in this weeks podcast episode. Enjoy episode 33 of the ShuttleSquad!

Please welcome our first guest in ShuttleSquad history: Toma Junior Popov! This episode provides insight in the relationship of the french brothers Toma Junior and Christo Popov who both are in the top-25 in the men's singels world ranking + are also ranked no. 18 in men's doubles! Two brothers on court with their dad as coach behind the court becoming European Champion just recently in Horsens - The battle for one spot in the men's singels competition of the Paris Olympics. Definitely an episode worth listening for every badminton fan. Enjoy episode 32 of ShuttleSquad!

Christo Popov just became European Champions... in doubles! No front, but we didn't see that coming, and Christo also didn't. In this episode we obviously wrap up the European Championships that took place in Horsens, Denmark form April 8 -13. Not a full wrap, as Kirsty could not join the Squad this week, but for sure a nice little chat about upsets, surprises and an unlucky week for team Denmark (at least in the men's disciplines) in Horsens. Also: Marvin's team Saarbrücken-Bischmisheim is facing Christo's team Dortelweil in the Bundesliga seminfinals and the Squad discusses which scoring system they like most. Enjoy episode 31 of ShuttleSquad!