The Jack Murley Sports Show

Daniel Jervis is back on The Jack Murley Sports Show – and if you know the podcast, you’ll know that’s very good news indeed.
The double Olympian, elite swimmer, Channel swimmer, broadcaster and LGBTQ+ advocate first joined the show several years ago, choosing The Jack Murley Sports Show as the place to speak publicly about his sexuality for the first time.
Since then, Dan has returned to the podcast to announce his retirement from competitive swimming and for a number of special episodes – and now he’s back to talk about everything he’s been up to since his last appearance.
And, unsurprisingly, he hasn’t exactly been taking things easy.
Since stepping away from competitive swimming, Dan has broken an English record for a relay swim across the English Channel – a record that had stood for more than three decades. He’s also appeared on a special episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, giving listeners the chance to see the Olympic swimmer in a very different light.
We also talk about Dan’s transition into broadcasting, life after elite sport, his LGBTQ+ journey and why visibility and representation continue to matter so much.
From the Olympic Games to the English Channel, from swimming pools to RuPaul’s Drag Race, this is a conversation that covers an extraordinary amount of ground.
But at its heart, it’s another chance to catch up with one of the nicest men in sport – and someone who has become a brilliant ambassador for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Jack Murley Sports Show is an award-winning LGBTQ+ sports podcast celebrating queer athletes, LGBTQ+ stories and the people working to make sport more inclusive.
🎧 Listen now to Daniel Jervis on The Jack Murley Sports Show.
Find Daniel Jervis:📱 @danieljervis1
Get in touch with the podcast:📱 @jack_murley📩 jack@jackmurley.com
#DanielJervis #LGBTQSport #LGBTQAthlete #OlympicSwimming #Olympian #ChannelSwimming #EnglishChannel #RuPaulsDragRace #QueerAthlete #TheJackMurleySportsShow

To say that Damian Barr has many strings to his bow would be an understatement of dramatic proportions. As an award-winning broadcaster, author and host, Damian has been described as one of the most connected men in the UK, and has sat down to speak with everyone from Dolly Parton to Brad Pitt
Maggie and Me – his memoir about coming out in the time of Thatcher – was lauded by the Sunday Times and adapted for the stage by the National Theatre of Scotland, while The Two Roberts has been called ‘an unflinching portrait of love and talent’ by Graham Norton.
As an activist and campaigner, Damian supports countless organisations dedicated to creativity, culture and getting people into reading – and as an Ambassador for Stonewall, he worked tirelessly to support the LGBTQ+ community.
So, it’s a pleasure to have Damian here on Off The Pitch – our weekly show that spotlights amazing members of the LGBTQ+ community doing incredible things around the world – and there’s so much to fit in to this chat that we know you’re going to love.
Author, activist, campaigner, cultural ambassador – it’s all in this episode, and we’re really glad that Damian has joined us for it.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST? @mrdamianbarr WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PODCAST?@jack_murleyjack@jackmurleycom
#DamianBarr #MaggieAndMe #TheTwoRoberts #LGBTQPodcast #QueerPodcast #LGBTQStories #LGBTQAuthors #QueerAuthors #LGBTQActivism #OffThePitch

What does it mean to be an LGBTQ+ athlete competing at the Olympics or Paralympics?
On this special episode of The Jack Murley Sports Show, we head into the archives to revisit some of our most memorable conversations with LGBTQ+ Olympians and Paralympians – athletes who have not only achieved extraordinary things in elite sport, but have also helped create greater visibility and representation for the queer community on sport’s biggest stage.
There has never been greater visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the athletes featured in this episode have played an important part in helping LGBTQ+ people feel seen, represented and welcome in sport.
From Olympic history-makers to medal-winning Paralympians, we revisit conversations with:
🥈 Ji Wallace – the Australian trampoline gymnast who made history at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
🥌 Bruce Mouat – the Olympic curling medallist who talks about the importance of the support he receives from his partner, Craig.
🛶 Emma Wiggs – the hugely successful Paralympic canoeist reflecting on her remarkable medal-winning career.
⛸️ Paul Poirier – the Canadian figure skater discussing his journey towards becoming an Olympic medallist.
🥋 Jack Woolley – the Irish taekwondo athlete sharing the most challenging and rewarding parts of his Olympic experiences.
These are conversations about much more than sporting achievement. Each athlete opens up about their lives both inside and outside sport, sharing personal stories about identity, relationships, visibility, representation and what it means to compete at the highest level as an LGBTQ+ athlete.
From the Olympics to the Paralympics, these queer athletes are helping to create a legacy that reaches far beyond the medals – inspiring LGBTQ+ people around the world to believe that there is a place for them in sport.
The Jack Murley Sports Show is an award-winning LGBTQ+ sports podcast celebrating the people and stories making sport more inclusive, one conversation at a time.
🎧 Listen to this special episode celebrating some of the most inspiring LGBTQ+ Olympians and Paralympians in the world of sport.
Get in touch:📱 @jack_murley📩 jack@jackmurley.com
#LGBTQSport #LGBTQAthletes #QueerAthletes #Olympics #Paralympics #LGBTQOlympians #LGBTQParalympians #PrideInSport #InclusiveSport #LGBTQPodcast

What happens when you create a space where LGBTQ+ people can be completely themselves?
For Aubrey Crawley, the answer is the West London Queer Project – a not-for-profit organisation creating safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces for queer people to connect, build community and thrive.
Founded by Aubrey, the West London Queer Project brings LGBTQ+ people together through everything from yoga and football to film clubs, social events and much more. But behind all of those activities is a bigger mission: creating genuine community, connection, belonging and a place where queer people can be their authentic selves.
On this episode of Off The Pitch with Jack Murley, Aubrey talks about why he founded the West London Queer Project, how the organisation has developed, and why LGBTQ+ community spaces remain so important in 2026.
We discuss the importance of LGBTQ+ safe spaces, queer community, authenticity and belonging, as well as the challenges of advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion and social change in an increasingly polarised world.
Aubrey also shares his thoughts on what comes next for the West London Queer Project – and why creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to meet, connect and support one another can make such a difference.
Off The Pitch with Jack Murley is a weekly LGBTQ+ podcast celebrating the people, stories and organisations making a difference beyond the world of sport.
If you're interested in LGBTQ+ community, queer culture, inclusion, activism, safe spaces and the people helping create a more welcoming world, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST?wlqp.org
WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PODCAST?@jack_murleyjack@jackmurley.com
#LGBTQ #LGBTQCommunity #QueerCommunity #LGBTQPodcast #QueerPodcast #LGBTQInclusion #SafeSpaces #LGBTQActivism #WestLondonQueerProject #QueerLondon #OffThePitch

Three years ago, Michael O'Donnell made a massive move in Australian sport.
In an interview on Australian television, Michael became one of the first male Aussie Rules footballer to publicly speak about being gay – and helped push open the door for greater LGBTQ+ visibility in the game. 🏳️‍🌈🏉
On this episode of The Jack Murley Sports Show, Michael joins Jack to talk about his journey in Australian Rules football, what it was like to share his story with the world on Four Corners, and the impact that being an openly gay athlete has had on his life and career.
Michael also reflects on the reaction to his story, and what has changed — and what still needs to change — for LGBTQ+ people in sport.
From coming out as a gay footballer to becoming an advocate for inclusion and visibility, Michael O’Donnell has played an important role in changing the conversation around LGBTQ+ athletes in Australian Rules football.
It’s an honest, thoughtful and uplifting conversation about identity, courage, belonging and the power of being able to see people like yourself represented in sport.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST?@themikeod
WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PODCAST?@jack_murleyjack@jackmurley.com
 
If you've enjoyed the episode, please rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts – it makes a huge difference in helping us share more incredible LGBTQ+ stories with the world.
And if you know someone with an amazing LGBTQ+ story to tell – or it's your story – we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a DM or get in touch.
#TheJackMurleySportsShow #MichaelODonnell #AFL #AussieRules #LGBTQSport #GayAthlete #ComingOut #InclusionInSport #LGBTQ #QueerStories #SportsPodcast
 

What happens when the career you've built your life around suddenly disappears?
For Dr Anthony Gifford, COVID forced exactly that question.
After years working as a professional dancer and performing around the world, the pandemic brought the industry to an abrupt halt – prompting Anthony to take an unexpected new direction into psychology and academia.
That decision eventually led to a Master's degree and doctorate, with Anthony's research exploring the stigma and structural inequalities surrounding PrEP, and why some men who have sex with men remain reluctant to access it.
This week on Off The Pitch, Anthony takes us through that extraordinary journey – from the world of professional dance to academic research, and from performing on stages around the world to investigating some of the barriers that affect LGBTQ+ health.
In this episode, we discuss:💃 Anthony's career as a professional dancer🌍 Performing around the world before COVID changed everything🎓 Making the transition from dance into psychology and academia💊 His research into PrEP, stigma and structural inequality🌈 The importance of platforming queer voices in academia🤝 Building trust when discussing sensitive subjects🔄 Finding a completely new path when life changes direction
Off The Pitch is our weekly podcast celebrating extraordinary LGBTQ+ people and remarkable human stories. Every episode shines a light on people whose experiences, careers and ideas challenge expectations.
This is a fun, frank and fascinating conversation about dance, academia, LGBTQ+ health, research and the unexpected directions life can take you.
🎧 Listen now and discover the remarkable journey of Dr Anthony Gifford.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
Find out more about Anthony:Instagram: @giff95
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for a brand-new LGBTQ+ conversation every week⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#AnthonyGifford #LGBTQPodcast #PrEP #PrEPResearch #LGBTQHealth #Psychology #Academia #QueerAcademia #ProfessionalDancer #Dance #LGBTQResearch #QueerVoices #LGBTQCommunity #HealthInequality #PublicHealth #Research #Storytelling #PodcastUK #OffThePitch #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow
 

What happens when the story you tell changes more than just your own life?
In 2015, Sam Stanley made rugby union history when he became the first English rugby union player to publicly come out as gay.
At the time, Sam was playing for Saracens and had already represented England at youth level. His decision to share his story was driven in part by a desire to be open about his relationship with his partner Laurence – a relationship that is still going strong more than a decade later.
But while some things have remained wonderfully constant, almost everything else in Sam's life has changed.
This week on The Jack Murley Sports Show, we're delighted to welcome Sam back to the podcast to reflect on the decade since he made history, the impact that coming out had on his own life, and the way his story has helped change rugby.
In this episode, we discuss:🏉 Sam's journey since coming out publicly in 2015🌈 Becoming the first English rugby union player to speak publicly about being gay❤️ His relationship with Laurence and the importance of authenticity🧠 His love of philosophy, big ideas and big thinking💪 How rugby shaped Sam as a person🔄 How his story helped change rugby🙌 Why he remains passionate about supporting others on their own journeys
As an award-winning LGBTQ+ sports podcast, The Jack Murley Sports Show celebrates athletes, pioneers and changemakers who are helping to make sport more inclusive for everyone.
This is a conversation about identity, personal growth, philosophy and legacy – and about what happens when one person's decision to live openly gives others the courage to do the same.
🎧 Listen now as Sam Stanley looks back on a decade of change – in his life, and in rugby.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices in sport.
Want to find out more about our guest:@samstanleys
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for weekly LGBTQ+ sports stories⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#SamStanley #RugbyUnion #LGBTQRugby #LGBTQSport #ComingOut #GayRugbyPlayer #Saracens #EnglandRugby #RugbyHistory #QueerAthletes #RepresentationMatters #InclusiveSport #RugbyCommunity #SportsPodcast #TheJackMurleySportsShow #LGBTQRepresentation #RugbyUnionHistory #PrideInSport #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow
 
 
 

What does it take to write queer characters who feels completely, unapologetically human?
For Curtis Garner, it's about creating individuals who are more than their sexuality – people with flaws, hopes, contradictions, ambitions and lives that exist far beyond the labels attached to them.
This week on Off The Pitch, Curtis joins us to talk about his debut novel Isaac (which was hailed as an "instant queer classic") and whose follow-up, Orange, has been receiving equally brilliant reviews.
Drawing on his own experiences growing up in Cornwall before moving to London, Curtis has quickly established himself as one of the exciting new voices in contemporary queer fiction. With fans including acclaimed author Patrick Gale, his work is already making a significant impression on the literary world.
In this episode, we discuss:📚 How Curtis discovered his love of writing✍️ The inspiration behind Isaac and Orange🌈 Why queer characters deserve to be multi-dimensional🏳️‍🌈 Drawing on personal experiences to tell universal stories⭐ The critical acclaim surrounding his work💡 Where Curtis gets his ideas from❤️ Why writing matters to him🔮 What's next for one of queer fiction's exciting new voices
Off The Pitch is our weekly podcast celebrating extraordinary LGBTQ+ people and remarkable human stories. Every episode shines a light on people using creativity, passion and authenticity to tell stories that deserve to be heard.
This is a conversation about books, identity, creativity and the importance of seeing queer people represented as complete, complicated and wonderfully human.
🎧 Listen now for a brilliant conversation with one of the UK's exciting new voices in queer fiction.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
Find out more about Curtis:Instagram: @curtis_garnerInstagram: @queer_novels
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for a brand-new LGBTQ+ conversation every week⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#CurtisGarner #QueerFiction #LGBTQBooks #QueerBooks #LGBTQPodcast #OffThePitch #Isaac #Orange #QueerAuthor #LGBTQAuthors #ContemporaryFiction #QueerLiterature #Cornwall #WritingCommunity #BookRecommendations #QueerStories #LGBTQCommunity #RepresentationMatters #Storytelling #PodcastUK #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow

What does it take to be a pioneer?More than 30 years ago, Ian Roberts took a leap into the unknown when he publicly shared that he was gay.At the time, Ian was one of Australia's leading rugby league players. An international for his country and a star of the game, he was entering territory that few professional athletes had dared to explore before him.
And yet, Ian's career didn't disappear.
He continued to play rugby league at the highest level, while becoming recognised as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in sport – challenging stereotypes and helping to break down barriers that had stood for generations.
This week on The Jack Murley Sports Show, we're finally joined by someone we've wanted on the podcast since we started in 2018 – and this episode absolutely delivers.
In this frank and powerful conversation, Ian reflects on:🏉 His journey from elite rugby league to becoming an international player🌈 Coming out publicly as a gay professional athlete more than 30 years ago❤️ Understanding and accepting his own sexuality💪 Continuing his career in a very different sporting landscape🏳️‍🌈 His advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality in sport🙌 Challenging stereotypes and refusing to compromise on who he was
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for weekly LGBTQ+ sports stories⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#IanRoberts #RugbyLeague #LGBTQRugby #LGBTQSport #ComingOut #GayAthlete #RugbyLeagueLegend #SportsPioneer #InclusiveSport #LGBTQCommunity #QueerAthletes #RepresentationMatters #RugbyLeagueHistory #SportsPodcast #TheJackMurleySportsShow #AwardWinningPodcast #LGBTQRepresentation #BreakingBarriers #ListenNow
 

What does it take to tell the LGBTQ+ community's story every single day?
For Kev McGrath, it means keeping up with a constantly changing world, deciding which stories matter most – and finding a way to make them accessible to thousands of people in just a few minutes.
This week on Off The Pitch, we're delighted to welcome the creator of PRIDE Daily back to the podcast for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world's only daily LGBTQ+ news podcast.
Kev brings together the essential stories, headlines and conversations affecting the LGBTQ+ community in a bite-sized daily podcast – while also drawing on his experience as a broadcaster for some of the UK's biggest radio stations.
But what does it really take to make PRIDE Daily? How do you decide what makes the cut when there are so many stories competing for attention? And what does it feel like knowing that, for some listeners, your podcast might provide connection and community when they aren't able to be their authentic selves elsewhere?
In this episode, we discuss:📰 How PRIDE Daily is created every day🌈 Deciding which LGBTQ+ stories deserve attention🎙️ Kev's career in broadcasting and journalism⏱️ Condensing a fast-moving news agenda into a bite-sized podcast❤️ The responsibility of telling stories for the LGBTQ+ community🙌 The importance of authenticity, representation and connection📻 Why LGBTQ+ news and storytelling still matters
Off The Pitch is our weekly podcast celebrating extraordinary LGBTQ+ people and remarkable human stories. Sometimes that means hearing from the people making the headlines – and sometimes it's about discovering the people behind them.
🎧 Listen now for a fascinating conversation about journalism, broadcasting, authenticity and the stories shaping LGBTQ+ lives every day.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
Find out more about Kev and PRIDE Daily:Instagram: @pridedailypod
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for a brand-new LGBTQ+ conversation every week⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#KevMcGrath #PRIDEDaily #LGBTQNews #LGBTQPodcast #LGBTQJournalism #Journalism #Broadcasting #QueerVoices #LGBTQCommunity #NewsPodcast #PodcastUK #Storytelling #Authenticity #RepresentationMatters #Pride #Radio #OffThePitch #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow