The Average Not Average Podcast

In this episode, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen host badminton legend Peter Gade. They discuss the pressures and responsibilities of being an icon in the sport, their early experiences in Malaysia, and the transition from player to coach. The conversation delves into the mental challenges faced during competitive matches, the impact of crowd dynamics, and their ventures outside of badminton. They also reflect on the future of the sport, while sharing insights from their personal journeys in badminton and business.

Chapter Timestamps:
00:30 Introduction to Icons of Badminton
01:30 The Weight of Icon Status
05:18 Memories of Malaysia and Early Careers
09:57 Viktor’s Journey from Junior to Senior
13:55 How Peter Became Viktor’s Coach
18:48 Routines in High-Level Performance
20:19 Mental Challenges in Competitive Matches
25:28 The Impact of Crowd and Conditions on Court
37:20 Business Ventures Beyond Badminton
44:11 Reflections on Career Choices
49:07 The Future of Badminton Scoring Systems
51:36 The Gap Between Asian and European Players
1:01:57 The Kings Cup Experience

Follow us on social media for more content!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:
CK'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/

You can also find our conversations on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

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 Skousen
03:28 Viktor Axelsen's Early Career and Contract
07:27 Transition from Store Owner to CEO of RSL
09:19 The Evolution of Badminton in Europe
12:35 Market Dynamics: China vs. Europe
15:18 Shuttlecock Production and Global Market Insights
18:04 Challenges in the Shuttlecock Industry
21:06 The Circular Economy of Shuttlecock Production
22:46 Innovations in Shuttlecock Design
27:49 The Impact of Feather Supply on the Industry
38:06 Sustainability and the Future of Shuttlecocks
44:35 Growth of Badminton Participation in Europe
45:47 The Rise of Badminton in Europe
49:22 Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences
55:29 Shuttlecock Quality and Durability
59:56 The Future of Badminton and Emerging Trends

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw
CK'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=d41e211446b44f9b

Our 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/id1797766159
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw
CK'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=uqnKymOUJ8jUuY2i

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
01:53 Viktor's Health and Tournament Plans
08:06 Discussing Kestutis Navickas
16:37 Challenges with New Courts
19:28 Rise of Young Talents
28:26 Staying Positive and Motivated
32:55 Basketball Players
39:48 Pickleball and Padel Sports
45:10 Future of Badminton and Synthetic Shuttles
52:13 Personal Insights and Future Plans

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

CK'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 Dubai
09:48 Reflections on Past Matches and Competitors
09:50 Evolution of Elite Badminton Performance
19:22 The Importance of Recovery in Modern Badminton
19:51 Mental Fatigue in Modern Badminton
22:18 The Importance of Recovery
24:13 Coaching and Coordination in Badminton
27:13 Cultural Adaptation in Coaching
30:44 Recognition and Team Dynamics
33:28 Advice and Personal Growth
36:38 The Future of French Badminton
40:31 Fashion in Badminton
48:34 The Role of Image and Branding

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/