HEATED CONVERSATIONS

Nutrition is always a tricky topic, especially in gymnastics and youth sports, where resources and education on proper nutrition are often lacking. Coaches may find it difficult to discuss with parents, as it can be a sensitive subject. However, nutrition plays a crucial role in an athlete’s performance, mental and emotional well-being, and overall success in training and competition. In this epis...

Join Ryan Roberts, Co-Head Coach of Georgia Gymnastics Bulldogs, and Xquiste Coach Eric Cali as they discuss everything bars! In this episode, they talk about the key elements needed to make a comeback, how to build proper bar techniques, and why having more than one circle is essential for success in gymnastics. Whether you're an athlete or coach, this conversation is full of valuable insights! D...

In the summer of 2024, former Alabama gymnast  Lexi Graber  made a surprise appearance on the  Heated Conversations Podcast , and fans were absolutely thrilled! Known for her incredible performances on vault and floor at the University of Alabama, Lexi opened up like never before in this candid interview. In this episode, Lexi discusses her journey from being a star gymnast to life after college a...

🔥  Extremely Passionate Head Coach of 3-Time Division 3 Gymnastics Powerhouse, Lauren Karnitz, Joins the Podcast!  🔥 We were thrilled to welcome  Lauren Karnitz , Head Coach of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Gymnastics Team, to the podcast in January 2024! 🏅 In this inspiring episode, Lauren shares her incredible journey from athlete to head coach, culminating in her leading UWO to become...

Whitney Snowden’s journey in gymnastics began in Ohio, where she was mentored by one of the most respected coaches in the sport, Mary Lee Tracy. Under her guidance, Whitney honed a deep understanding of the technical aspects of gymnastics, which laid the foundation for her own coaching philosophy. Now, as a coach herself, Whitney is committed to more than just teaching skills—she is a life changer...

Mental Blocks Are Real—Especially This Time of Year As the season intensifies and the holidays approach, mental blocks can become more prevalent for both athletes and coaches. The anticipation of performance goals and the pressure to achieve can trigger stress and hinder progress. It's common for athletes to experience mental and emotional challenges, especially when juggling the demands of traini...

As the 2024 college gymnastics season was kicking off, I had the unique opportunity to sit down with long-time coach Byron Knox. With decades of experience, Coach Knox has not only witnessed but has been an integral part of the evolution of college gymnastics. His legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the sport, and his contributions have helped shape the history of collegiate gymnastics in wa...

I had the opportunity to sit down with Co-Head Coach Ryan Roberts to discuss all things Gymdogs and the University of Georgia. Ryan and his coaching staff boast impressive accolades across the sport of gymnastics, spanning the developmental, NCAA, and Olympic levels. Ryan serves as Co-Head Coach alongside Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, who is not only a former developmental coach but is also renowned as...

Gustavus Head Gymnastics coach, Aryn DeGrood and I had a great conversation at the beginning of the 2024 season, where we discussed the vision she has for the team. I know it has been a while since I last posted and this episode was during the 2024 season but the insights can still relate today. Please enjoy!

I had a chance to sit down with All American recent Alabama graduate student athlete Lusia Blanco, where we discussed her journey leading her to the 2024 Paris Olympics. It was great to hear the authenticity she has for the sport, her support system and her opportunity to grow within the sport.

Passionate about his team, both staff and athletes alike is the way to John Operates with his team! He loves what he does!

Prior to the 2024 Season I had the honor to speak with Newly Hired head gymnastics coach at PITT Casey McPherson. I am excited for you to tune into the awesome episode.

SEC Freshmen of the Year 2024 University of Georgia GymDog Lily Smith Joins the podcast. It was great to sit down and talk to her about what it looks like to be a Student athlete at UGA and what she is is excited for in the coming year.

Dr. Meg Crowley, Head coach of Centenary Gymnastics program and talks about, what she looked forward to prior to the 2024 season. The episode was filmed prior to season but it gives good perspective bout Dr. Crowley and the School. If you would need more information about how to help with Pelvic floor feel free to contact her. Email: mlcrowley@centenary.edu

It was such an honor to have Nick Ruddock on the podcast, where we dove into some ways to help all coaches improve the way they approach vault! He also talked about his story and some of the lessons he learned along the way! If you would like more from him, head to his website- https://nickruddock.com where he has course and trainings that can help you and your athletes develop better culture and...

Episode 2 with Perfect 10.0 PT Brandi Smith. we dive into core and back exercises that will help keep your athletes healthy. Check out these core exercises she mentions in the episode. Plank 101 https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_QzQI8jMuW/?igsh=dmkxdW91ZXljY2h1 Leg Lift Progression https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzUGG_rpXbY/?igsh=Z3BvZmltdGF4MXlw Shaping https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_GMRHpDU0U/?igsh...

JH Consulting's founder Jill Hicks joins the podcast. We discuss her knowledge of college gymnastics recruiting process from the perspective of being an athlete and coach at the collegiate level. Jill speaks of her going through the process herself with her own kids and how that all shapes the way they work with athletes. Now some may have certain feelings about these gymnastics recruiting consult...

Perform Happy and Complete Performance Founder Rebecca Smith Joined the podcast earlier this year to discuss Mental blocks in athletes and solutions for athletes, coaches and parents to help athletes with the mental side of the sport. She shares many tips and nuggets that can help take your coaching to the next level and to foster a great environment. She has her own Podcast where she has conversa...

Sarah Korngold joined the podcast prior to the 2024 season to discuss Ascend gymnastics, olympics, Womentum, steps to developing gymnast and olympic training with Shilese Jones. Sarah along with Cleo Washington are the clinicians who run Womentum camp which is an extension of Best Darn Gymnastics camps. From website:Are you ready to take your coaching skills to the next level? Look no further than...

Perfect 10.0 Physical therapist Brandi Smith and I discuss some great topics centered around Pre habilitation exercises for gymnast to do each day that can help them avoid injuries. We discussed how loading the wrist has not been properly taught and some solutions we all can add to what we are already doing. Multiple times during this interview Brandi state "it's not what we are doing, it...

I bring you a different perspective in this episode. We tie in faith and life lesson coming from Pastor Dave Miller, who Pastor's at Tree of Life Church in New Braunfels, Texas. He also is a coach for ProSkills San Antonio travel basketball organization, a Husband, Father, brother and son. We discussed his upbringing and how that shaped him to be the man he is today and the lessons he learned...

Meredith Paulicivic, the Head Women's Gymnastics Coach at The Ohio State University, recently joined the podcast. As a former Ute athlete and coach, she shared her journey of earning the position of Head Coach at OSU through her personal experiences and the guidance of mentor coaches. Integrity is a fundamental value for her and her team, one that she encourages everyone to maintain without compro...

Head Coach Kerrie Turner in her 17th season leading Bowling Green State University, is a very passionate person about the sport of College gymnastics. She talks about the influences on her and the amazing people that help mold her as a coach. Enjoy this episode and check out the links to find ways to support the program. Website: https://bgsufalcons.com/sports/womens-gymnastics Support Team: https...

On the heels of Conference Championship weekend Dana was in her supporting role for her sons senior prom and Chi O Parents weekend with her daughter and senior prom but a shout out to the Legendary SEC Championship winning coach Dana Duckworth. She transitioned from the arena to the boardroom in 2022. The first coach ever to win the SEC Championship in her first year as head coach in 2015 and then...

Back in December, the Head coach of the University of Wisconsin Division III school, Jessie DeZiel joined me for a conversation about her journey to becoming a head coach. The midwest native has kept her career as an athlete and coach in the Midwest. She was a National team member and cornhusker before beginning her coaching Journey. Jessie is excited for the opportunities as she completed her 3rd...