Samson Strength Coach Collective

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, host Connor Agnew sits down with Nick DaCosta, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Appalachian State University. Nick opens up about his climb from intern to coach at the same university, and what lessons he’s carried with him along the way. He discusses his work with diverse teams—like field hockey and cheer—his takeaways from the...

 In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, host sits down with Zach Hicks, a Graduate Assistant at Appalachian State University. Zach opens up about his path from a small-town upbringing and a background in theater to the weight room, sharing valuable insights from his first year and a half as a GA. His unique experience in performance taught him how to step outside of his comfort z...

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Kacie Allison, Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Bowling Green University. Kacie shares her powerful journey from college athlete to strength coach and opens up about how embracing discomfort led to personal and professional breakthroughs. Drawing from her experience in softball and triathlon, Kacie discusses the c...

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Charles Kenward of Incarnate Word University joins us to break down the nuanced relationship between teaching and coaching. As someone running both Olympic and football strength programs solo, Charles brings a unique lens on time management, communication, and athlete development. He emphasizes how the weight room isn't just for physical tra...

In this engaging episode, Aaron Clayton, Partner at Performance Chefs, shares his journey from fine dining to the frontlines of athletic performance. He unpacks the critical role of a performance chef, emphasizing how timing, hydration, and trust play into nutrition strategies that elevate an athlete’s career. Aaron highlights the importance of collaboration across performance teams, balancing per...

In this conversation, Keegan Smith details his path from high school football in Alabama to working under Scott Cochran at Alabama and now coaching Olympic sports at Georgia Southern. He reflects on the emotional demands of coaching, building authentic relationships with athletes, and creating a culture rooted in trust and personal growth. Keegan emphasizes the value of early strength exposure, te...

In this candid episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Michael Tucker, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Liberty University, reflects on his coaching journey—from internships to leading performance programs. Michael emphasizes how foundational relationships are to coaching success. He dives into pacing, motivation, energy management, and maintaining professional and personal relationship...

S02|E208 Unbreakable Athletics with Jim Beebe | Samson Strength Coach Collective In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we’re joined by Jim Beebe—owner of Unbreakable Athletics and creator of the Athlete Builder system. Jim opens up about a powerful turning point in his life: a moment in his front yard with his son that sparked a radical transformation. We talk about how that mom...

Elite Athlete Nutrition with Jessica Isaacs On this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Jessica Isaacs—elite athlete, sports dietitian, and voice of reason in the chaotic world of performance nutrition. Jessica shares her incredible journey from serving as an aircraft mechanic in the military to becoming a trusted expert in collegiate and elite athlete nutrition. She...

S02E207 Asking Reflective Questions in Coaching with Sean Swetnam | Samson Strength Coach Collective On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Sean Swetnam , Assistant Director of Football Performance at UCLA . In this episode, Sean shares his path from private sector training to coaching at a Power Five program—and how that journey shaped his approach to athl...

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Dakota Wilson , Director of Athletic Performance at Ouachita Baptist University . In this episode, Dakota shares his journey from walk-on offensive lineman to full-time strength coach, and the lessons learned while starting a brand new strength and conditioning departmen

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective with Director of Sports Performance for Liberty Christian School in Argyle, David Neill. During the episode we discuss the importance of culture development in a team, aligning your program with the head coach’s vision, and identifying and developing team leaders. Topics Covered: Defining and reinforcing cultural values Communicating ac...

Values-Based Coaching with Blair Lloyd | Samson Strength Coach CollectiveS02-E202On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective with Blair Lloyd, Director of Training for Pure Performance. During the episode we discuss identifying your core values as a coach, overcoming significant injuries, and how mentor coaching can transform a coach’s career. Topics covered: • Self-doubt and coa...

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak San Diego Gulls Strength and Conditioning Coach and Co-Owner of Move The Needle, Mike Sullivan. During the episode we discuss consistently challenging yourself as a coach, the genesis of Move The Needle, and the benefits of hosting a podcast.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Renaissance Periodization Strength Coach, Danny Wirt. During the episode we discuss building relationships with your clients, how to use self-reflection in your career, and how to navigate diet and exercise myth-busting conversations.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Christian Hosley, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for New Mexico State University Basketball. During the episode we discuss how to seek mentorship, building relationships with athletes, and how to build your confidence as a coach.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Tactical Strength and Conditioning Coach, Sam Daoust. During the episode we discuss Sam’s early career and how it forced him to think quick on his feet, the differences between Canadian and American strength and conditioning cultures, and some of the challenges that come with the tactical field.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective our host, Connor Agnew, breaks down the entirety of his work with his Men’s Basketball team at Appalachian State University. The episode includes Connor’s process in programming, nutrition, and sports psychology.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Performance for Lubbock Christian University, Oliver Houston IV. During the episode we discuss what comes with being an Assistant AD, how to preserve work-life balance, and what culture he is trying to develop in the weightroom.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for football at Florida Atlantic University, Bryson Breeding. During the episode we discuss his experience in various sub-sections of S&C, the lessons he learned in each area, and following the path that works for you.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with owner of Full Strength Father, Kristoffer Koerper. During the episode we discuss the mission of Full Strength Father, how it has shaped others’ lives, and what the testing protocols are for his program.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Anthony Cockrill, Director of Volleyball Sport Performance for Southern Methodist University. During the episode we discuss the rapid growth of volleyball in the US, his process with social media posts, and how he approaches nutrition with his team.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with graduate assistant for Florida Atlantic University, Ryan Berry. During the episode we discuss lessons Ryan has learned during his assistantship, what his mentors have taught him during his career, and what he looks forward to past his time at FAU.

In this conversation, Missy Mitchell-McBeth shares her journey in the field of strength and conditioning, detailing her transition from coaching volleyball to becoming a director of sports performance. She discusses the challenges of balancing multiple roles, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the importance of work-life balance. Missy also reflects on her experiences in graduate school and th...

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, our host Connor Agnew reflects on his three goals from the previous year, sets three new goals for 2025, and discusses three things strength coaches should “leave behind” in 2024.