The Best Netball Podcast EVER! – Details, episodes & analysis

Guest co-host Lauren Nicholls joins Carla for a brilliant conversation with Dragons Head Coach Reinga Bloxham. From her hugely successful coaching journey in New Zealand to building a high-performance culture in Wales, Reinga opens up about leadership, standards, pathways and what it really takes to create a winning environment.

The episode dives into the rise of Dragons this season, player development, coaching philosophies and the importance of belief both on and off court. There’s plenty of insight for coaches and players alike - plus a few laughs along the way, including mystery holiday rumours about Krystine.

Thanks to our partner Akuma Sports - For top quality custom kit produced in the UK, visit: https://www.akumasports.com/sports/netball/

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.

Krystine and Carla are joined by the brilliant Claire Nelson for an honest and insightful conversation about life in netball, handling pressure and continuing to grow both on and off the court.

Claire reflects on her journey through the sport, the challenges of maintaining confidence at the elite level, and the importance of mindset, resilience and team culture. Packed with thoughtful advice for players and coaches alike, this episode balances serious reflection with plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories - proving that even the calmest players still have moments where absolutely nothing goes to plan.

The Lowdown with Lauren: Lauren Nicholls also joins Carla to discuss the grand finals and the journey to it from a players perspective.

Thanks to our fantastic partner Akuma Sports - For top quality custom kit produced in the UK, visit: https://www.akumasports.com/sports/netball/

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess 
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.

In this episode, Krystine and Carla sit down with Gary Burgess to explore the ever-growing world of netball and his journey through the sport. From grassroots beginnings to competing on bigger stages, Gary shares his experiences, the challenges of being a top-class umpire, and the exciting future of netball. The conversation dives into development pathways, and why netball truly is a sport for everyone.

Thanks to our brand new partner Akuma Sports - For top quality custom kit produced in the UK, visit: https://www.akumasports.com/sports/netball/

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess 
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.

In this episode, Krystine and Carla tackle one of the biggest topics in modern sport - injuries. First they speak with Dr Farah, a GP registrar and sports medicine specialist researching ACL injuries in athletes and why they are so common in netball.

Then they welcome Ella Bowen, who shares her personal experience of devastating injuries that ultimately brought her netball playing career to an end. They discuss recovery, prevention, the mental challenges of injury, and what the future of injury research could mean for the sport.

Thanks to our brand new partner Akuma Sports - For top quality custom kit produced in the UK, visit: https://www.akumasports.com/sports/netball/

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess 
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.

In this episode, Krystine and Carla sit down to tackle the "taboos" that have kept women on the sidelines for too long. From the first whistle of puberty through the strategic shifts of menopause, they explore the Netball Her initiative and how it’s revolutionising the way we play, coach, and talk about female health.

It’s an empowering deep dive into the physical journey of being a female athlete, packed with practical advice to keep girls and women thriving on the court through every life stage. It’s time we stop whispering about sports bras and cycles and start shouting about how we can stay in the game—because, let’s be honest, we’ve all had a "leakage" scare that was more stressful than a last-minute penalty shot!

Netball Her: https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/netballher/

Thanks to our brand new partner Akuma Sports - For top quality custom kit produced in the UK, visit: https://www.akumasports.com/sports/netball/

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess 
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.

Krystine and Carla head to the Supercup to soak up the atmosphere, catch up with players and coaches, and get the inside track on what the new season might bring. With quick-fire matches, fresh combinations, tactical experiments and plenty of passion on display, the Supercup gave fans an early taste of what’s to come...

We reflect on standout performances, evolving styles of play and the buzz around the competition - all while juggling microphones, match analysis and the occasional bit of courtside chaos!

Thanks to our partner Akuma Sports - For top quality custom kit produced in the UK, visit: https://www.akumasports.com/sports/netball/

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess 
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.

Krystine and Carla are joined by England international and Super League stalwart Nat Panagarry for a candid conversation about longevity, leadership and life in the centre bib. Nat opens up about the realities of elite netball, handling pressure with the Roses, bouncing back from tough performances and what keeps her motivated after more than a decade in the game.

Expect honest reflections, practical advice for players and coaches, and a reminder that sometimes the biggest lesson in netball… is not to overthink a dropped ball - or an undercooked jacket potato.

Thanks to our brand new partner Akuma Sports - For top quality custom kit produced in the UK, visit: https://www.akumasports.com/sports/netball/

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess 
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.

Krystine and Carla are joined by East Midlands Regional Chair Rowena Hackwood to break down the ever-evolving netball pathway, from junior clubs and county trials to franchises and Olympic ambitions. They talk navigating the system, supporting talented players, the rise of boys in netball, and what the future of the sport could look like on the world stage.

Then Debbie Hallas from Netball UK joins the pod to give expert advice on netball trainers; what to look for, why running shoes won’t cut it, and how the right footwear can protect you from injury.

Expect insight, laughs, a questionable game of “Netball or Not?”

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

This episode is kindly sponsored by "Cutting Your Costs" If you want to Simply Your Life & Supercharge your Savings, please visit: https://cutting-your-costs.com/

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess 
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.

Krystine and Carla are joined by netball icon Sonia Mkoloma for an inspiring conversation about leadership, longevity and representing England on the world stage. Sonia reflects on her playing journey, her transition into coaching, and the standards required to perform at the highest level season after season... And in Gladiators.

The discussion dives into defensive craft, team culture, and how the global netball community continues to evolve, with honest insights players and coaches will love. It’s thoughtful, motivating and full of wisdom… with just enough laughs along the way to prove even elite defenders don’t take themselves too seriously off court.

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

This episode is kindly sponsored by "Cutting Your Costs" If you want to Simply Your Life & Supercharge your Savings, please visit: https://cutting-your-costs.com/

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess 
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.

Krystine and Carla are joined by Germany and Switzerland Netball reps for the first of their World Netball Specials, shining a spotlight on netball in Germany and Switzerland.

The episode explores what it really takes to grow the game in developing netball nations - from taping courts by hand and squeezing goalposts into cars, to building governance, leagues and national squads from scratch.

With brilliant insights from coaches and volunteers on the ground, this is a fascinating look at global netball passion, resilience and creativity… plus some unforgettable German pronunciations and confirmation that ski season is netball’s biggest rival in Switzerland.

Please follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on any new content. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you won’t want to miss an episode!

This episode is kindly sponsored by "Cutting Your Costs" If you want to Simply Your Life & Supercharge your Savings, please visit: https://cutting-your-costs.com/

The opinions and suggestions in this podcast are intended for entertainment only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions — we just provide the laughs.

Let's Connect 🗣️

Want to be included in a future episode? Please reach out and share anything Netball (or life) related. 

Instagram @thebestnetballpodcastever
TikTok @thebestnetballpodcast
Good ol' Email: thebestnetballpodcastever@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS

Krystine Strama aka Kris / princess 
Netball-obsessed, I’ve been hitting the court for over 15 years — and I’ve just celebrated the big 5-0. 
By day, I’m an HR Manager; by night, I’m a netball playing fine-dining enthusiast and self-proclaimed connoisseur of wine. One day, you’ll see me living my other dream: starring in a soap opera.

Carla Garey

A self-confessed netball addict, I’ve been playing for nearly 14 years and basically live and breathe the sport (my husband insists on calling it “a hobby,” but we all know better 😆).

When I’m not on court, I’m running multiple businesses, wrangling my five kids, and squeezing 20 tasks into every day. I work at 100 miles an hour and get more done before lunch than most people manage all week — fuelled entirely by Diet Coke and donuts.