Performance Talk

Can a sleep mask actually boost performance? In this eye-opening episode of Performance Talk, Ewell Gordon sits down with Lori Oliver and Jill MacRae of The Inactive Company to explore how science-backed sleep tools are revolutionizing recovery for athletes, tactical professionals, and high performers everywhere. 🔗 Learn more about The Inactive Company: https://inactiveco.com/

Anna Reddington of Belmont University joins Performance Talk to share her journey from private-sector performance coaching to teaching the next generation of strength professionals. From big moves to big lessons, hear how she’s bridging the gap between theory and practice in S&C.

Can clinical research shape elite performance? Dr. John Farrell of Texas State University joins Performance Talk to explore how adaptive sports, athlete monitoring, and interdisciplinary teamwork are transforming sports science from the lab to the weight room—and why curiosity, collaboration, and community are key to long-term success.

Seton Hall’s Angelo Gennarelli joins Performance Talk to reflect on 20 years in college strength & conditioning, why climbing outward can be just as powerful as climbing up, and how to truly impact athletes beyond the weight room. A must-listen for coaches, parents, and future pros. #PerformanceTalk #StrengthAndConditioning #SportsPerformance #CoachingWisdom #LongGameLeadership #NSCA #HumanPerform...

What does it take to grow a two-credit class into a robust, multidisciplinary performance program? Dr. Joni Boyd of Winthrop University returns to Performance Talk with Ewell Gordon to share how she's helping redefine strength & conditioning education. From curriculum expansion to a $21M facility and a soon-to-open performance lab, this conversation dives into the evolution of exercise science, ba...

“Recovery isn’t a pause — it’s part of the plan.” In this global edition of Performance Talk, Dr. Jo Brown joins Dr. Ewell Gordon to break down the clinical-performance continuum, why individualized recovery matters, and how elite athletes can stay consistently healthy and competition-ready. If you're a coach, clinician, or athlete, this episode will change how you think about performance. #Perfor...

In this powerful episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon sits down with Mark Christiani, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach embedded in the Army Reserve's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program. They unpack the evolution of military fitness, the rise of human performance initiatives in the armed forces, and what it takes to train soldiers in both active and reserve settings. From...

On this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon welcomes Andrew Menter — athlete, innovator, and CEO of Physmodo — to dive into the intersection of personal pain and cutting-edge performance tech. After years of competing at a high level in tennis, rugby, and Ironman events, Andrew’s body hit a wall — and the recovery process exposed a glaring gap in how we assess movement and prevent injury...

In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode of Performance Talk, host Dr. Ewell Gordon welcomes Dr. Mike Israetel—renowned sports scientist, professor, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, and competitive athlete. From high school wrestling roots to academic mastery in performance science, Mike shares his journey through education, self-discovery, and relentless pursuit of truth in train...

Performance begins in the kitchen! In this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon sits down with Rachel Muse, an elite performance chef, to discuss the critical role nutrition plays in an athlete’s success. Rachel shares her journey from private chef to fueling top athletes, the importance of meal timing, and how proper nutrition impacts performance on and off the field. 🔔 Subscribe for mo...

In this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon sits down with John Flagg, founder of Rebuild Stronger, to discuss the differences between powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and strongman training. John shares his journey from athletic training to coaching elite strength athletes and how he helps them recover from injuries while maximizing performance. Tune in for expert insights on training, in...

In this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon welcomes Dan Pope, a physical therapist and strength coach, to discuss the intersection of strength training and rehab. Dan shares his journey from fitness enthusiast to PT, the misconceptions about strength training in rehabilitation, and how the industry is evolving.  🔔 Subscribe for more insights on performance and mental toughness! Spotify...

Dr. Rob Schinke, a former elite equestrian and top sports psychologist, joins Dr. Ewell Gordon to discuss mindset, confidence, and performance consistency. With experience in eight Olympic Games and extensive work with elite athletes, Dr. Schinke shares key insights on overcoming self-doubt, handling pressure, and building mental resilience.  Don't miss this deep dive into the psychology of high p...

In this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon sits down with Joe Drake, a fitness educator and co-founder of a training and performance business in Boca Raton, Florida. They discuss the evolution of exercise science, the importance of foundational fitness for athletes, and how to approach training young athletes effectively. 🔔 Tune in for valuable insights into the ever-growing world of p...

Join Dr. Ewell Gordon as he delves into the dynamic world of sports performance, where medicine, athletics, and personal growth intersect. In this episode, Dr. Christle Guevarra shares her inspiring journey from aspiring athlete to a leading expert in sports medicine, strength conditioning, and nutrition recovery—shaped by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Takeaways: Dr. Guevarra’s dive...

Join hosts Dr. Ewell Gordon as he dives into a fascinating conversation with expert trainer Dean Somerset. Discover the nuances of post-rehab training, where medical discharge meets athletic ambition. Dean shares his journey from being an injury-prone athlete to becoming a sought-after kinesiologist specializing in bridging the gap between physiotherapy and effective training. Key Takeaways: - The...

Episode Overview Join host Dr. Ewell Gordon on this episode of Performance Talk as he welcomes guest, Dr. Steve Nightingale, a sports scientist and performance coach with the NHL's New Jersey Devils. Key Topics Discussed: Steve’s Journey: From being a passionate but not-so-great ice hockey player in England to becoming a performance coach for various international teams. Breaking into Sports Scien...

Key Topics Discussed Introduction to Sports Psychology Dr. Perlus helps athletes focus mentally ("from the neck up") to improve physical performance. Embracing Pressure and Anxiety Athletes often revert to old habits under pressure. Importance of embracing rather than avoiding pressure as it signifies care, belief, and energy. Trusting Training Over Time Encouragement from high-profile examples li...

Learn the secrets of sports performance with renowned sports scientist Dr. Tim Gabbett on this episode of Performance Talk with Ewell and Chris. In this episode, the hosts and guest delve into cutting-edge insights on training loads, injury prevention, and athlete resilience. Tim shares his journey from a young athlete to a leading consultant for high-performance teams worldwide. He discusses the...

In this episode, hosts Dr. Ewell Gordon and Chris Costas have a conversation with Dr. Ian Wright, Medical Director for the 15th Medical Group in Hawaii. Discover how he merges strength conditioning with physical therapy to prepare airmen for deployment. Explore the unique demands of military readiness versus athletic challenges and learn about Ian's innovative bridge program that combines rehabili...

Join co-hosts Dr. Ewell Gordon and Chris Costa for an engaging discussion with Dr. Brent Hogarth, a clinical psychologist focusing on flow states in sports and business environments. In this episode, listeners will explore the impact of mindset on performance across various domains such as athletics, corporate settings, and personal growth. Key Topics Discussed: Dr. Brent's Journey: From a turbule...

In this end of year roundtable discussion on Sports Science, Ewell and Chris explore groundbreaking insights and debunk myths in athlete performance testing. Discover how traditional methods are being re-evaluated, why old concepts are resurfacing with new names, and the pivotal role of effective communication in coaching. Key Takeaways: - Understanding that less data can often lead to more accura...

In this year end roundtable discussion, the panel discusses: - The impact of leadership skills and interdisciplinary collaboration on athlete performance. - Innovative programs like "Eat to Win" that empower young athletes with essential life skills. - Cutting-edge research on muscle mechanics, biological sex differences, and neuromodulation techniques.

In this episode, Ewell and Chris discuss with the roundtable, the essence of sports psychology -its role in enhancing both clinical and performance aspects across various domains—from elite athletes to everyday performers. Discover how confidence fluctuates and why embracing adversity is crucial for success. Key Takeaways: - Understand the holistic approach to optimizing human performance. - Learn...

Higher education professional with experiences in teaching, athletics, strength and conditioning, academic advising, disease state management, and performance consulting. As an exercise science leader, I strive to support students through providing learning and experiential opportunities that cultivate their transferrable skills needed in today’s dynamic healthcare and sport performance environmen...