S&C Chit Chat

Join James Burk as he sits down with Coach Monte Sparkman to discuss the evolution of high school strength and conditioning programs. In this episode, they dive into shifting coaching philosophies that prioritize speed and movement quality over raw weight room numbers. They also explore practical strategies for managing successful athletic programs, including: Effective use of velocity-based train...

In this episode of the S&C Chit Chat Podcast, James Burk sits down with Connor Myers to discuss the realities of installing a comprehensive strength and conditioning program at a new school. They share practical insights on navigating the professional transition, building culture, and managing logistical challenges with limited staff and resources. The conversation dives deep into technical me...

Join us on this episode of the S&C Chit Chat Podcast as James Burk sits down with Strength and Conditioning Coach Brandon Antley for a candid conversation about the realities of high school athletic development. This episode explores both the technical and cultural aspects of running a successful weight room program. In this episode, we cover: Program Culture: Strategies for building a program...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Zach Fowler of The Performance Course. We dive into non-traditional career paths in strength and conditioning, moving beyond college and high school coaching. Zach shares his journey from an 8-year-old athlete at PC to a Site Coordinator, the critical importance of initiative for young strength coaches, and how PC utilizes technology and specialized prog...

The "S&C Chit Chat with Ross Garner" includes conversation about facility conflicts, staff introductions, and an in-depth look at Ross Garner's career path and high school strength and conditioning philosophies. Career Advice : Master's in Education + CSCS provides best job security for high school S&C coaches. Training Philosophy: Conjugate training approach, primarily using deadlifts and...

Michael Gragg does a phenomenal job at Harding University and in this podcast. I on the other hand did less than desirable in pressing record for the first 10 minutes. Tune in for a "S&C Chit Chat" with Coach Michael Gragg from Harding University. We break down the technical and philosophical pillars of their national championship-winning strength and conditioning program. Topics include: the...

In this episode, James Burk, Brock Calvo, Jaxson Money, and Colin Elliot chat with HSU alumni Cameron Prater, an alum who is now the Internship Coordinator and Sports Science Coordinator for SMU Football. They dive into Prader's career journey, from his time at Hardin-Simmons University to his professional blueprint. The discussion covers his philosophy for training interns—prioritizing hard work...

In this must-listen episode of S&C Chit Chat, we sit down with John Bloom—Strength and Conditioning Coach at Parish Episcopal School, founder of Elevated Athlete Development, and host/author of the Strength and Numbers podcast and book. John provides incredible insight into his transition from collegiate D1 men's basketball to running his own private business, Elevated Athlete Development, dis...

S&C Chit Chat is your essential resource for actionable strength and conditioning coaching philosophies. Join us as we dive deep with leading experts like Coach Scott Leech of Rhode Island to discuss cutting-edge athlete development. We cover everything from programming strategies—including prioritizing RDLs and a five-day high-low offseason structure—to hands-on coaching techniques like "scor...

In this candid chat with Colton Razo from Ohio State University, we dive deep into the strength and conditioning profession. Coach Razo shares invaluable advice for young coaches on networking professionally (using LinkedIn and respectful outreach) and discusses the unexpected administrative challenges of a full-time role, including their successful experience with writing grants. We also cover th...

In this episode of the S&C Intern Chit Chat Podcast, James Burk and the interns sit down with Nick Mascioli, Strength Coach at Houston Second Baptist, for an in-depth discussion on Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD). Mascioli breaks down his K-12 progression model, which moves from foundational motor skills in Pre-K to building the habit of measurement with sprinting data in middle school,...

In this episode of the S&C Intern Chit Chat Podcast, special guest Peter Kenn from SMU dives deep into his strength and conditioning philosophy. He breaks down the tier system as a flexible training management approach, ideal for maintaining training consistency despite missed sessions. Kenn discusses how he tailors training for diverse Olympic sports like swimming, soccer, and equestrian, emp...

Join James Burk and his crew as they chat with Dakota Flash Wilson, D2 Strength and Conditioning Coach at Ouachita Baptist. Coach Wilson shares invaluable insights on his philosophy for success at the D2 level, including prioritizing work ethic in interns, the transition from peer to coach, embracing the "performance coach" role, and the strategic use of Velocity-Based Training (VBT) with Vituv an...

We are incredibly lucky to host a true legend and icon in the strength and conditioning business, Kevin Yoxall (aka Yox).Join us for a deep dive into Yoxall's extensive coaching career from TCU and UCLA to Auburn, his transition to a sales role with Dynamic Fitness and Strength, and the evolution of his training philosophy. He shares invaluable advice for young coaches, including why to avoid the...

David VanDyke , a veteran strength coach at Rutgers, talks about his basketball training philosophy. VanDyke details his risk-averse, "low and slow barbecue approach" to in-season programming, prioritizing consistency and efficiency with short 20–35 minute workouts. Learn how he implements Velocity-Based Training (VBT) using Elite Form, manages load based on individual athlete feedback and minutes...

Join host James Burk and the HSU interns as they sit down with Rutgers University Strength and Conditioning Coach Glenn Cain to explore the realities of a career in professional training. Coach Cain dives into his "constant evolution" in training philosophy, his data-driven load management methodology using Polar technology, and the logistical challenges of coaching across Rutgers' sprawling campu...

This episode is a dynamic Q&A session with a top strength and conditioning professional from Alabama, Michelle Diltz, delving into the nuances of training college cheerleading and softball teams. The discussion covers: Customized Training: Detailed breakdowns of in-season and off-season strength programs for both sports, including limited Olympic lifting for cheer, and the use of force plate t...

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Kegans from the University of North Texas Strength & Conditioning program to dissect what it takes to run a successful, high-performing department. Coach Kegans dives into the non-negotiables for their internship, revealing the rigorous selection process, the need for "eager as hell" and proactive individuals, and the resulting high attrition rate that w...

Tune in for a deep dive into strength and conditioning with Andrew Nilo , Texas State Baseball / Olympic Director and former Hardin Simmons Cowboy. In this insightful "Chit Chat" session, Andrew Nilo shares his philosophy on goal-oriented training , moving beyond traditional sports science to focus on pressurization and biomechanics . Learn why he prioritizes addressing "hardware" (movement defici...

Coach Strobis, who recently completed his first year with the highly decorated program, dives deep into his philosophy and career path. Topics covered include: Sports Science & Athlete Monitoring: Why the Arkansas program prioritizes on-the-track observation over daily reliance on technology (though they utilize Tendo units and force decks in specific training blocks). Coaching Philosophy: His...

In this episode of S&C Chit Chat, we sit down with Andrew Wright, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Texas Tech Men's Basketball, to explore his career journey from a PE teacher to an Elite 8 collegiate coach. Coach Wright shares invaluable insights on building athlete buy-in, starting with a conservative "one by 20" training approach, and developing a coaching philosophy that is adaptable an...

We enjoyed chatting with Brandon Hummer, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Georgia Softball, Gymnastics, and Men's Golf. They dive deep into training methodologies, including the use of plyometrics, isometrics, Paloff press, and overhead exercises tailored for different sports. Hummer shares practical insights on game day lifts, travel adaptations, and how to successfully navigate the S&C in...

In this episode Malorie Henderlong, Auburn's women's soccer coach, discusses her career path, emphasizing the importance of making a good impression, seeking aligned roles, and personal development. She details her daily operations, use of Catapult GPS data, and philosophy on individualized training and speed integration. She advises aspiring sport scientists to communicate data effectively and un...

In this episode, we chat with strength coach and former athlete Sarah Ramey , whose career path has taken her from the weight room to athletic administration. Sarah opens up about her journey, the challenges of finding her coaching voice, and what it takes to earn trust and lead across different sports and personalities. She shares real-world advice for female coaches breaking into the field , ins...

Matt Van Dyke is the Director of Sports Science for the Houston Texans. Matt is responsible for the management of training loads and other performance aspects implemented to each individual athlete in order to maximize performance and readiness. Prior to his position with Houston, Matt was the Associate Director of Applied Sports Science at the University of Texas where he was responsible for the...