MPE Podcast

In this episode of the MPE Pod, we welcome Jim Gasso and Casey White from the Gasso Center of Excellence to discuss a new vision for athlete development centered around understanding the individual. The conversation explores how Motor Preferences provides coaches with a framework for identifying how athletes naturally organize movement and why coaching becomes more effective when training matches...

What does successful Motor Preferences integration actually look like with athletes and teams? In this episode, we discuss: • observation before correction • understanding root causes • movement tendencies and predictable patterns • communication and cueing • training environment and fatigue • athlete feedback and long-term development The conversation centers around helping coaches better underst...

This is the point in the season where development becomes real. You can do all the work you want in the offseason, but games show you what actually transfers. In this episode, we talk about: • What you learn about players in-season • Why confidence grows when something clicks • How development shows up under pressure It’s not just about reps. It’s about what carries over.

In this episode of the MPE Pod, we sit down with Brice Johnson, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Baylor School. Brice shares how he’s integrating Motor Preferences into the weight room and across multiple sports, and how it’s changed the way he evaluates movement, cues athletes, and individualizes training. We talk through: Applying Motor Preferences in the weight room Why athletes respon...

In Episode 8 of the MPE Pod, we’re joined by Tommy Gardiner, Assistant Coach at Maryland Baseball and a key voice in the program’s defensive and offensive development. A former Terp infielder (2018–2021), Tommy helped lead Maryland back to a Regional as a player and has since helped guide the program to two Big Ten regular season championships and one Big Ten Tournament title as a coach. Under his...

In this episode of the MPE Pod, we sit down with Laura Heberling, Associate Head Coach at Kansas Softball and a pitching coach known for developing confident, high-level arms. Laura shares her coaching journey from Maryland to Kansas and explains how Motor Preferences became part of her approach through her relationship with Coach Matt Swope. She breaks down how MP applies to pitching, how it help...

EP 6: Chicago Cubs 3B Matt Shaw In this episode of The MPE Pod, we sit down with Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw to break down what it takes to perform and stay consistent at the highest level of baseball. Matt shares how understanding his Motor Preferences gave him clarity around his movement, swing decisions, and preparation, helping him eliminate unnecessary trial and error as he transitio...

In this episode we sit down with JT Gasso, Associate Head Coach for Oklahoma Softball, one of the most dominant programs in NCAA history with 6 national championships, 9 WCWS appearances, and a long-standing reputation for elite offense. JT has played a major role in developing some of the best hitters in the country. Oklahoma was also the first softball program to partner with Motor Preferences E...

In this episode, we dive into Aerial vs. Terrestrial movers, what they are, why they matter, and how they shape the way athletes swing, pitch, and field. Learn how to spot these natural styles, common misconceptions to avoid, and simple adjustments that can unlock hidden performance. Coach Swope also discusses his approach to individualizing routines, showing how respecting movement preferences he...

What you’ll learn in this episode: • The cultural and environmental impacts on motor preferences (with examples from the Maasai and Māori) • How food industries shape energy availability, development, and athletic outcomes • Why a holistic approach combining movement, nutrition, psychology, and recovery is essential • How athletes adapt to stress and energy demands over time • The “Acceptance Tank...

🎙️ Episode: Where Does Motor Preferences Come From? We start with a quick recap of the All-Star break and some standout success stories, then dive into the big question: What is Motor Preferences (MP) and where did it come from? You'll learn: How MP was developed through 30 years of European sports science Volodalen’s key role in building the MP system What Motor Preferences are and why they matte...

Episode 1: Welcome to The MP Pod Hosted by Matt Swope, David “The Witch” Genest, Matt Woods, and Nick Robinson In our debut episode, we introduce The MP Pod — a show dedicated to exploring the science of Motor Preferences and its real-world application for athletes, coaches, and performance specialists. We dive into: What you can expect from future episodes How Matt and David’s first conversation...