Not by the Playbook Podcast
Inspirational stories from around the world. Interviews with people defying the odds. The Sportshour podcast has become Not by the Playbook.
Inspirational stories from around the world. Interviews with people defying the odds. Discover Not by the Playbook - the podcast which seeks out the most incredible stories from sportspeople and athletes. We bring you interviews with the sporting heroes who have achieved success in the face of seemingly impossible challenges.
Formerly known as Sportshour, Not by the Playbook is brought to you by the BBC, the world's most trusted international news provider.
Tune in to hear from some of the most famous names in sport on subjects you've never heard them discuss before. You don't have to be an Olympic gold champion to have an extraordinary story – we also scour the globe for inspiring individuals who make a difference through sport.
Whether you’re a football or soccer fan, tennis lover, golf aficionado or cricket addict, or even if you're not a sports fan at all, you’ll find inspiration in the stories of resilience, determination, and discipline. Expect insightful, honest, and thought-provoking conversations from people who live and breathe sport.
Listen to Not by the Playbook on the BBC World Service every Saturday at 0900 GMT, or find it as a podcast wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
Episodes to download
-
Hockey Night
Last Saturday
Inspirational stories from the hockey world. Interviews with people defying the odds
-
Hanging around
Sat 13 Dec 2025
Dropping in on the man who just broke one of the most death-defying records in sport
-
Expect the unexpected
Sat 6 Dec 2025
The first woman to win the Paris-Dakar rally, the cult film Escape to Victory, Gail Emms
-
-
Hello England's Roses
Sat 22 Nov 2025
The rose, an England symbol since 1486, is now often seen on the jersey of England teams
-
Clutch mentality
Sat 15 Nov 2025
Some things you just can't train for but could be the difference between a win and loss
-
Glass half full
Sat 8 Nov 2025
The power of positive thinking with four athletes who have overcome insurmountable odds
-
The unusual suspects
Sat 1 Nov 2025
Inspirational athletes doing things their own way even if it goes against the grain!
-
The all American
Sat 25 Oct 2025
Inspirational stories from basketball, baseball, American football and ice hockey
-
Horsing around
Sat 18 Oct 2025
Blind showjumper Lissa Bachner on overcame impossible odds with horse Milo
-
Out of the box
Sat 11 Oct 2025
Going against convention and thinking outside the box is risky and takes courage
-
Survival
Sat 4 Oct 2025
How did surviving a shipwreck lead Els Visser to become a successful triathlete?
-
Transatlantic tales
Sat 27 Sep 2025
On Ryder Cup weekend, Katie Smith presents inspirational stories from the US and Europe
-
A life of two halves
Sat 20 Sep 2025
Those from the world of sport who have achieved two very different inspiring stories
-
River Deep, Mountain High
Sat 13 Sep 2025
Going to extremes searching out the best, most inspiring stories from the world of sport
-
Man (still) in Motion
Sat 6 Sep 2025
The surprising hidden and inspirational truth behind one of the most popular 1980's songs
-
Superdome: Disaster and redemption
Sat 30 Aug 2025
20 years after Katrina why the Superdome symbolises New Orleans' trauma and recovery
-
Eggstraordinary stories
Sat 23 Aug 2025
A show full of eggstraordinary stories – from the Women’s Rugby World Cup to egg throwing
-
A left-field look at the Premier League
Sat 16 Aug 2025
Some of the characters from the more unusual and hidden away parts of the Premier League
-
The fight back
Sat 9 Aug 2025
Fighting discrimination and stereotypes and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps
-
Mountain Mommas
Sat 2 Aug 2025
We're in the mountains climbing, cycling and running from Mont Blanc to Mount Everest
-
The evolution of women's football
Sat 26 Jul 2025
Winning captain from first Women's Euros and player who fled Afghanistan to save her life
-
So bored!
Sat 19 Jul 2025
Skate to surf. Dungeon to Dragon. We delve into board games and Olympic board disciplines
-
Wimbledon Wonders
Sat 12 Jul 2025
Mani Djazmi is at Wimbledon with inspirational stories from around the world
-
-
Colourblind
Sat 28 Jun 2025
People who provide inspiration with gold, silver, bronze or even finishing nowhere at all
-
-
Driven
Sat 14 Jun 2025
Inspirational stories from around the world of people who have the drive to defy the odds
-
Paoline Ekambi: Keeping her promise
Sat 7 Jun 2025
A remarkable story of survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma.
-
We are the champions
Sat 31 May 2025
Mani Djazmi presents a show of champions – including the World’s Strongest Man