The Apex Vaulting Podcast

Branko sits down with Chris Tutela, owner of Tutela Training Systems. They discuss why someone would start their own gym, this is a must listen for people who are thinking about starting their own pole vaulting club. In the second half of the podcast Chris discusses his thoughts on training athletes. Enjoy!

Kris Allison, club coach of Lonestar, joins the podcast and we discuss how he developed as a vaulter and his influences as a coach. It is a must listen for all pole vault coaches, we discuss coaching systems and progressions. We also discuss the idea of context.

Branko discusses training and perspective with Calvin Hartman. People often offer advice in the pole vault, but not in context. People often discuss growing the sport, but then turn athletes away. Whats going on?

Nick Homan, @that_tattooed_vaulter on Instagram, joins the podcast and discusses how he managed to connect with Branko and how social media is a great asset to connect people in the pole vault community. They also discuss how social media will literally make coaches and athletes more accountable as well as drive competition not only between athletes, but also coaches and coaching systems which wil...

Branko discusses the value of pole vault! What are the values, instruction, learning to deal with failure, but how do we let people know about the value of pole vault?

Danny Davenport, an original Apex Vaulting member joins the podcast to discuss the early days of Apex Vaulting: the team atmosphere, the honesty, the accountability and more. We also discuss a crossroads in Danny's life that he needed honesty, and how as teammates and coaches we need to be honest, even when it isn't easy.

Branko rants about the Pole Vault today. Stop worrying about hitting the perfect position or doing the perfect workout. Try new things and see what works for you!

Becca Peter, the creator of the Pole Vault Power comes on the podcast to discuss various topics, social media today, drug testing of athletes, and Safesport; USATF's new background screening process.

Jeff Coover joins the podcast and discusses the reality of jumping post collegiate: travel, access to equipment, facilities, etc. Jeff and Branko also discuss how the sport can grow and the difference between diamond league meets and the atmosphere at American meets. They also talk about Renaud Lavillenie.

Tianna Bartoletta joins Branko on the podcast. Tianna is the 2005 World Champ and the 2016 Olympic Champ in the Women's Long Jump. She discusses social media and how being honest and telling your story is important for engaging with the track community and growing the sport. We are so happy that Tianna was able to join us this is a must listen, her story of early success and then commitment throug...

Branko sits down with Calvin Hartman and discusses the importance and value of strength training for pole vaulters. They cover some common misconceptions people have about strength training and why people neglect it in the sport of Pole Vault. Don't miss out on a way to get better, start strength training today!

Branko talks with Jacob Sanders who was inspired by the podcast to start a pole vault club in Maryland, Sandstorm Vault Club. They discuss how pole vault clubs impact the participation rate of our event, and how much easier it is to get clients in pole vault due to the demand. Check it out!

Branko sits down with Dan Reynolds, 16'8" pole vaulter and fan of the podcast. Branko discusses how the pole vault community was able to grow so big in, of all places, Rochester, NY. Anyone who isn't aware Rochester is in upstate New York and has brutal winters. You would think Pole Vault could only grow in places like California where outdoor jumping is possible all year round. Dan discusses how...

Branko speaks with Andy Nageotte who is a long time track fan and recently put out a tweet that got more engagement with track fans than our sports governing bodies get. We discuss a more in depth look at what are the important performance numbers in the pole vault and what really determines who the best athlete is. Our sport is much deeper than just who jumps the highest! Is consistency the key?...

Branko sits down with former professional high jumper and current meet director and promoter extraordinaire Mike Pascuzzo! Mike has been running the Jersey Jumps Beach Vault for the past 10 years. They discuss the work and effort required to run a successful pole vault event that people enjoy and makes money.

Branko sits down with Calvin and discusses the difficulties with plateaus and how to overcome them. They discuss the binary option after a bad meet, you can quit or keep working. A must listen for anyone that has gone some time without a pr.

Branko discusses social media and the role in can have in growing the sport. He also addresses concerns many have over posting on social media.

Branko discusses the Winder Up way with Josh Winder. They discuss how mentality, focus, and process played a role for Josh in overcoming a torn rotator cuff injury to pr and become a Division III national champ. We also discuss how important process becomes especially when you consider having to scale practices for multiple athletes. A must listen.

Branko sits down with Coach Mike Sullivan who is the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos. They discuss coaching philosophies and how to stay flexible with coaching to continue to grow and develop. "Fixation is the way of death, Fluidity is the way of life" - Musashi

Branko sits down with Lilly Brown recent high school graduate and 11'7" pole vaulter at Apex, and discusses how injuries can be overcome through strength training and how strength training can prevent injury as well!

Branko sits down with Noah and discusses high school track and some goals that coaches need to have in mind. Athletes come first!

Branko sits down with Doug Houser, coach of Vertical Assault. They discuss the concept of coaching skills and teaching athletes through drills and progressions that lay down the foundation for pole vaulters to understand pole speed and swing speed. Doug and Branko also discuss their early mistakes as coaches and discuss the evolution of coaching after coaching 100 athletes a season for the last fe...

Branko discusses the idea of creating a community with former Apex Vaulting member Brad Hoey. Brad joined the club with an 11'6" pr after his sophomore year of high school and ended up jumping 15'3". Brad discusses how he found the vault and why he loved it so much.

Branko sits down with Robert Plumb, a high school pole vaulter at Apex, for a second discussion. Robert and Branko discuss mid marks, and various other topics that focus on a high schooler's perspective of the sport.

Branko talks to Rob Plumb, a high school junior who attends Apex Vaulting and jumps 12'6" with 11'9" grip, and Haden Williams who has been getting help from Branko through some free online coaching. Haden has gone from 10'6" to 12'6" in about a month. These athletes and Branko discuss the lack of content and the amount of people that need help in the pole vault world.