The Average Not Average Podcast

In this episode, CK Yew interviews Rasmus Skousen, CEO of RSL Europe, discussing the evolution of badminton, the impact of market dynamics on shuttlecock production, and the challenges of sustainability in the industry. Rasmus shares insights on Viktor Axelsen's early career, the transition from retail to RSL, and the future of badminton equipment amidst changing consumer expectations and global market trends. RSL is the world's largest badminton shuttlecock manufacturer.Chapter Timestamps:00:30 Introduction and Background of Rasmus Skousen03:28 Viktor Axelsen's Early Career and Contract07:27 Transition from Store Owner to CEO of RSL09:19 The Evolution of Badminton in Europe12:35 Market Dynamics: China vs. Europe15:18 Shuttlecock Production and Global Market Insights18:04 Challenges in the Shuttlecock Industry21:06 The Circular Economy of Shuttlecock Production22:46 Innovations in Shuttlecock Design27:49 The Impact of Feather Supply on the Industry38:06 Sustainability and the Future of Shuttlecocks44:35 Growth of Badminton Participation in Europe45:47 The Rise of Badminton in Europe49:22 Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences55:29 Shuttlecock Quality and Durability59:56 The Future of Badminton and Emerging TrendsFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

This highlights episode brings together the best moments from The Average Not Average Podcast in 2025. Each segment is taken from a different episode, capturing standout conversations, reflections, and lighter moments from throughout the year with CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen.Watch all previous episodes here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d41e211446b44f9bOur 2025 Guest List includes:Henrik Axelsen (EP9)Chirag Shetty (EP10)Cristian Luque Manjon (EP12)Ahmed Shahrazad Sani (EP14)Ayush Shetty (EP15)Dr David Evans (EP16)Ben Beckman (EP17)Alex Lanier (EP19)Kestutis Navickas (EP20)Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen talk about Viktor’s current back injury and the difficulties he’s facing as he works through recovery. Viktor shares his thoughts on the rest of his year, and they reflect on the originally scheduled guest, Kestutis Navickas. They also chat about the growth of pickleball and padel, Viktor crossing paths with Stephen Curry while training, and the ongoing issue of poor court quality at some major tournaments.*This episode was originally scheduled with Kestutis Navickas as a guest, however technical issues cut the conversation short. The episode with Kestutis was rescheduled, and you can watch his full episode here: https://youtu.be/RqvIO4qORY0?si=uqnKymOUJ8jUuY2iChapters:00:00 Introduction01:53 Viktor's Health and Tournament Plans08:06 Discussing Kestutis Navickas16:37 Challenges with New Courts19:28 Rise of Young Talents28:26 Staying Positive and Motivated32:55 Basketball Players39:48 Pickleball and Padel Sports45:10 Future of Badminton and Synthetic Shuttles52:13 Personal Insights and Future PlansFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

In this podcast episode, Kestutis Navickas, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen discussed the evolution of badminton, the importance of recovery, and the intersection of fashion and sports, highlighting the need for athletes to present themselves professionally, as fashion can enhance an athlete's public image. Both Viktor and Kestutis emphasise the importance of personal growth, teamwork, and the future of badminton as a competitive sport. Team dynamics and communication are essential for success.Timestamps:00:00 Introducing Kestutis Navickas, life at home, Paris and Dubai09:48 Reflections on Past Matches and Competitors09:50 Evolution of Elite Badminton Performance19:22 The Importance of Recovery in Modern Badminton19:51 Mental Fatigue in Modern Badminton22:18 The Importance of Recovery24:13 Coaching and Coordination in Badminton27:13 Cultural Adaptation in Coaching30:44 Recognition and Team Dynamics33:28 Advice and Personal Growth36:38 The Future of French Badminton40:31 Fashion in Badminton48:34 The Role of Image and BrandingFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

In this episode of the Average Not Average podcast, host CK Yew interviews professional badminton player Alex Lanier. They discuss Alex's recent holiday, his passion for golf, and his competitive spirit, especially in relation to his brother Theo. Alex shares insights into his daily routine as a professional badminton athlete, the pressures of being in the top 10 in the world, and the dynamics of his coaching relationship with Kestutis Navickas. The conversation also touches on Alex's love for chess, his preferences in his sports equipment and his badminton rackets, and a humorous anecdote about his aversion to bananas.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background08:51 Golf: A New Passion16:38 Chess: The Strategic Game18:31 Daily Routine and Training23:24 Transition to Top 10 and Pressure30:17 Team France and Support Structure31:20 The Competitive Edge: Pushing Each Other to Greatness36:16 Building a Strong Coach-Player Relationship41:18 Balancing Professionalism and Personal Connection50:46 The Evolution of Equipment: Racket Preferences58:16 Navigating Personal Challenges: The Banana DilemmaFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/