Captains & Coaches Podcast

Journey into the heart of movement mastery through unique perspectives that challenge conventional training wisdom with Greg Walsh.   Greg reveals his philosophy of "movement self-discovery"—where training becomes an exploratory conversation between mind and body. Discover how Wolf Brigade's "adaptive non-science" approach creates individualized pathways to physical development rather than fo...

We raise the bar with two-time Olympian and Pan American Champion Wes Kitts as he shares the profound journey that shaped not just his athletic career, but his entire approach to life and leadership. Wes takes us beyond the medals and records to clean and jerk the curtain back on how the powerful philosophy – "be somebody" – became the cornerstone of his identity and mission. From his roots on the...

Ever wonder what really happens in the weight room of championship teams? Erik Hernandez, the passionate force behind UNC's strength and conditioning program, pulls back the curtain on how he transforms talented athletes into resilient champions through brutal honesty, purposeful training, and unwavering accountability.   If you're a coach looking to create player-led accountability, an athle...

In this breathtaking episode, we sit down with Harvey Martin, whose remarkable journey from professional baseball player to pioneering human performance coach with the San Francisco Giants reveals a profound understanding of the mind-body connection. Harvey shares his personal battle with "the yips" — a transformative struggle that became the catalyst for his revolutionary approach to performance...

Ryan Metzgar, the 2022 NSCA Assistant College S&C Coach of the Year, joins us to offer rare wisdom from someone who's mastered the art of developing athletes from the inside out. From her roots as a gymnast to becoming one of the most respected voices in strength and conditioning, Ryan shares the pivotal moments that shaped her coaching philosophy and career. You'll discover why emotional inte...

Warning: This episode might completely change how you view coaching, behavior, and human potential. Don't miss this game-changing conversation about what's possible when we look beyond performance metrics. Jim Davis, founder of the Good Athlete Project, challenges conventional wisdom about athlete development. Why do some athletes thrive under pressure while others crumble? How do you build team c...

In this special episode, we explore the crucial relationship between head coaches and team captains through the unique lens of Tex and Marymount University's men's lacrosse coach, Jon Reynolds. Their story spans decades - from the early days of Reynolds' coaching career when Tex served as one of his first team captains, through their shared experience of their first victory together, to Reynolds l...

Nicole Heavirland's rugby journey embodies the evolution of the sport in America. In this episode, the three-time Olympian opens up about her transition from basketball to rugby, the unique perspective of being both an Olympic alternate and competitor, and the leadership lessons learned as Captain of the USA Women's 7's squad. Nicole shares her powerful philosophy of "trying to beat Nicole Heavirl...

We visit Georgetown University's Hilltop for a transformative conversation with Associate Athletic Director Mike Hill. What began as an annual Christmas workout and goal-setting ritual for Tex evolved into a masterclass in leadership development. Tune in as Mike unpacks his 20-year evolution of the Iron Hoyas program.   With his self-proclaimed "theoretical physicist" mindset, Hill reveals hi...

Tex returns to his alma mater, Marymount University's weight room with Coach Johannah Zabal, Army strength and conditioning specialist and Director of Sports Performance for Soldiers to Sidelines. Coach Jo shares her journey from collegiate athlete to becoming one of the military's most respected performance coaches, offering invaluable insights on developing both tactical and athletic excellence....

What does it take to rebuild yourself and emerge as one of the most innovative strength coaches? Coach Tim Riley pulls back the curtain on elite athlete development and shares his remarkable journey of personal resilience. From innovative training methods that have helped shape NFL stars to his own battle with career-threatening knee injuries, Tim delivers a masterclass in both the physical and me...

What happens when clinical expertise meets competitive drive? This week, we explore the unique intersection of physical therapy and elite strength & body building sports through the lens of someone who's mastered both worlds. Dr. Dani LaMartina, PT, DPT, CSCS, & IFBB Pro shares her journey from becoming a IFBB Pro to treating elite athletes, and how this dual perspective has shaped her app...

The stories you share​ as a coach become the foundation for transformation - watch how your vulnerability unlocks your team's full potential.   In this transformative episode, Coach Ryan Davis unveils his powerful "Three H's" framework - a unique approach that unlocks authentic team connection through shared stories of heroes, highlights, and hardships.    From his distinctive posit...

What makes an extraordinary leader? Performance coach and author Donnie Maib ( The Secret Sauce of Leadership , The Two Buckets of Leadership ) reveals the essential ingredients in this powerful episode. Drawing from decades of experience, Maib shares candid insights on building trust, driving results, and nurturing team dynamics​ for both men's and women's teams. Get ready for concrete strategies...

This is episode will transform how male coaches lead female athletes. And Girl Dads, pay special attention. Join us as performance expert Kristin Weitzel reveals the science-backed strategies that elite coaches use to develop, connect, and communicate with female athletes. She'll break down: How to adapt training around biological rhythms for peak performance Keys to building unshakeable trust and...

Get your popcorn ready and cue Wiz Khalifa for one last job with a couple of Old Bulls. Tex sits down with Luke Summers to drop some knowledge bombs they've picked up in their 12-year journey together. 500 podcasts, that's the number, not to mention hundreds of seminars across 6 continents, and enough Fast & Furious movies to make family mean everything. Through personal stories and evidence-b...

What does it take to turn your darkest moment into your defining one? In this powerful episode, professional lacrosse player Jack Posey reveals how a career-threatening injury became the catalyst that launched him to new heights in his athletic journey.   This conversation goes beyond sports—it's a masterclass in transforming setbacks into comebacks and challenges into opportunities. Whether...

Your front-row seat to the soul of small-town Texas: Faith, Family, Football. Deep in the heart of Texas, where football isn't just a sport but a way of life, Coach Travis McClain, Head Coach for Rivercrest High (Bogota, Texas), embodies the spirit of Friday Night Lights . Tex spent a day-in-the-life with Coach Mac peeling back the layers of small-town football, revealing the intricate art of buil...

This isn't just another sports story. It's a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the art of turning challenges into opportunities.   Join us on the transformative journey of Nick Tintle—a professional lacrosse player who turned his passion into purpose. From dominating the field to building The Lacrosse Barn, Nick unveils the raw, unfiltered story of leadership that transcends sports...

Prepare for an insightful, emotional rollercoaster of an episode, as we sit down with renowned therapist, Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC. Uncover little-known challenges of male eating disorders, how to deliver effective criticism, and where family dynamics make or break an athlete's performance and mindset, on the field and in life. Brace yourself for some tough love as Brad breaks down the differenc...

Join Dr. Mike T. Nelson on Captains & Coaches for a game-changing exploration of athletic performance. Discover cutting-edge insights on metabolic flexibility, strategic pre-game nutrition, and recovery optimization that work for athletes at every level. ORDER NEW BOOK NOW - Triphasic Training II - https://amzn.to/4iNvi9M Learn how simple awareness and evidence-based adjustments can dramatical...

The future of youth athletics isn't just about creating better athletes – it's about developing better humans. Jim Kielbaso, from Impact Sports Performance and the IYCA unlocks the complexities of youth sports, shares insights on developing not only the physical skills of young athletes but also their emotional resilience and leadership abilities. Training Programs - 7 Day Free Trial   Old Bu...

Tex sits down with Drew Szczecinski, aka The Vagabond Coach, to explore his incredible journey from professional fighting in Japan to coaching weight-loss camps in Thailand and running his own body transformation business.  In this episode, we discuss mindset shifts, empowering individuals, and the unique challenges of leading teams versus coaching 1-on-1. Don't miss these inspiring insights...

What can Willem Dafoe and Shamu teach you about leadership? Winning isn't for everyone. Brett Bartholomew, author of Conscious Coaching and Founder of Art of Coaching joins C&C to peel back the psychology of self-motivation, revealing what truly drives athletes and keeps you connected to your goals. Training Programs - 7 Day Free Trial Old Bull: https://bit.ly/old-bull-train Captain's Speed, S...

Break a mental sweat in this (Space) Jam packed episode with leadership wisdom, training techniques, and practical tips for every coach and athlete looking to Raise the Game. Coach Zack Zillner, University of Texas Women's Basketball Director of Performance, joins C&C to lay (up) a foundation of connection between coaches and athletes. Zack shares how cultivating strong relationships with athl...