The Performance Connection Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Paul Laursen joins to give his take and perspective on applying artificial intelligence to coaching and training. Paul shares his journey from Olympic hopeful to sports scientist, revealing how his pursuit of understanding optimal training led him to the intersection of AI and coaching. The conversation dives deep into how AI can solve one of coaching's biggest challenges:...

In this episode, Alex Sarama joins to share his unique coaching philosophy when developing skillful, adaptable athletes. Drawing on ecological dynamics, constraints-led approaches (CLA), and differential learning (DL) his goal is to revolutionize player development. From his early coaching days in the UK to his NBA experience and global coaching journey, Alex discusses the limitations of tradition...

In this episode, we chat with Chris Colucci to explore the pivotal role of writing in the fitness industry. Chris shares his journey from personal training to becoming an associate editor at Testosterone Nation (T-Nation) and later, Breaking Muscle. Chris discusses the importance of writing skills for fitness professionals, covering topics such as structuring articles, targeting specific audiences...

How can understanding energy systems revolutionize your training methods? In this episode, Evan Peikon, an exercise physiologist and computational biologist who has worked with professional athletes, sports teams, and military special operations, joins to shed light on advances in our understanding of energy systems and what it means for training. We start by reviewing traditional energy system mo...

This episode aims to unpack the multifaceted role of cannabis in human and sport performance. Joining the show is Kirsten Thornhill, who brings insight from both personal and professional experiences. Kirsten sets the stage by sharing her unique path to cannabis research and insights gained from her dissertation on cannabis use among active adults. She explains the evolving landscape of cannabis l...

In this episode, we return to the world of ecological dynamics with guest Shawn Myszka, a sport movement specialist who focuses on improving performance through training that emphasizes problem-solving and skill transfer to competition. We tackle the concept of sport as a dynamic, problem-solving activity and the essential role of a movement skill acquisition specialist as part of the athlete deve...

Few debates in the fitness world are more contentious or polarizing than the relationship between CrossFit and injury. In this episode, sports medicine physician Amy West joins to unpack the nuances of this topic. Together, we tackle the reality of injury rates, her experiences on the medical front lines at top-tier competitions, and the evolution of CrossFit from a fringe sport to mainstream fitn...

How well do you understand the unique physiological and nutritional needs of female athletes? In this episode, Dr. Abby Smith-Ryan, a leading researcher in exercise and nutrition, helps navigate the often-overlooked topic of gender differences in fitness and nutrition. We discuss how men's and women's physiology differ and how coaches can provide tailored advice to better meet the goals of both ma...

In this episode, Eric Helms joins to break down what we know about specialized and advanced methods for hypertrophy. We set the stage by covering the mechanisms and factors that lead to muscle growth. Eric explains the difference between mechanical tension and time under tension as well as the impact of different rep ranges, rest times, intensities, and volumes on hypertrophy. This leads to a disc...

If you train hard or long enough as a strength and fitness athlete, you will likely experience an injury at some point. While most of them are not serious, navigating the return to training process can be tricky and frustrating. In this episode, sports medicine doctor Christle Guevara joins to share her experience with injury as well as her experiences working with US Figure Skating and Renaissanc...

In this episode, physical therapist Dillon Caswell joins to share what he learned while writing his book, Hope Not Nope . Dillon explains the actionable nature of hope, the impact of positive self-talk on athletic performance, and the physiological effects of these mindsets. Dillon discusses how knowledge of neuroscience can allow us to effectively engage with different demographics, and how adjus...

Navigating the world of supplements can feel like a maze, especially when untrustworthy guides lead you down the wrong path. Luckily, dietitian Diana Nguyen joins the show to help lead the way and give you the top factors you need to know! With an emphasis on the idea that supplements should complement a balanced diet, we cover the essential knowledge about multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and...

In this episode, we explore the critical world of optimizing human performance within tactical populations. Joining the show is Chris Myers, a former military police officer turned exercise physiologist and performance coach. Chris shares the military's shift towards a more holistic fitness regime and offers a glimpse into the intricate balance of strength conditioning and exercise physiology that...

In this episode, we unravel the intricate world of hormones and their impact on health and athletic performance. Joining the show is Jessica Beal-Stahl, a clinical sports pharmacist whose blend of professional knowledge and personal experience, makes this discussion a treasure trove for anyone interested in sports pharmacy, performance, and hormone health. We start by navigating the complexit...

In this episode of the Performance Connection podcast, we connect with Derek Wilcox. Derek provides insights that bridge the gap between academia and the weight room, and tackles the nuances of sustained progress in the quest for strength and performance. We cover the critical elements of managing training workload and making adjustments to ensure continued gains. Whether you're a seasoned athlete...

Registered dietitian and performance coach, Sean Casey, joins the show again to discuss strategies for enhancing cognitive abilities. From battling ADHD without medication to harnessing the power of a diet that fuels your brain, there are a ton of takeaways for anyone hungry to optimize their mental prowess. Sean explains not just how to maintain a competitive edge, but also how to nourish your br...

Laurin Conlin joins the show to share her expertise and insights on making positive health and fitness behaviors sustainable for long-term success. We begin by discussing her master's research on dieting methods, specifically comparing If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM) to traditional meal plans and their impacts on weight loss, regain, and psychological well-being. This leads to a discussion about th...

Dr. Andrew Jagim joins the podcast to shed light on the subject of adulteration in dietary supplements. We discuss the global perspective of this issue, referring to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) policies and their continually updated list of prohibited substances. We delve into the potential dangers of adulterated supplements and the challenges of regulating and testing these products. An...

In this episode, Justin Lima joins to share his insights on conducting research, individualized training, and collaboration among a high-performance staff. Justin shares his experience and findings from his research on the reactive strength index and force-velocity profiling for division one football players. Through our discussion, we navigate the complex balance between long-term athletic develo...

In order for an athlete to successfully return to their sport after an injury, they must be adequately prepared for the demands and chaos of that sport. For most field and court sports, the skill of agility is paramount to their success. In this episode, Trevor Rappa joins to share his approach to rebuilding this skill, with an emphasis on identifying and addressing potentially maladaptive movemen...

Imagine a world where the mental health benefits of physical activity are as widely acknowledged as the physical benefits. What would it look like if we could shift our perception of fitness, move beyond the focus on weight loss and physical aesthetics, and integrate it as a standard in our everyday lives? In this episode, A'Naja Newsome, an expert in exercise physiology and public health, shares...

Of all the supplements on the market, the rising popularity of greens powders is impossible to ignore. Many of these products claim to be the equivalent, or even superior than, fruits and vegetables. But what do we really know about these products? Is there any evidence to back up their claims? Luckily, Bill Willis, a researcher at both Ohio State University and Examine.com, joins the show to help...

In this episode, Guillermo Escalante joins to discuss the most important advances in bodybuilding science in recent years. Guillermo shares his journey from working in the field of athletic training to academia. He also shares his insights into the world of bodybuilding, discussing his observations regarding medical coverage and safety protocols during competition. We then dive into the advancemen...

Is technology the answer to revolutionizing the way we coach and train? Suise Reiner joins this episode to discuss exciting prospects and the potential pitfalls at the intersection of technology, fitness, and sports science. Susie describes how fitness tech companies can use data to create better products and marketing campaigns, and shares her experience consulting with tech companies. She emphas...

While nearly all training programs can work if certain principles are followed, individualization is needed to truly maximize training outcomes. In this episode, strength coach and author Tom Sheppard joins to provide a deep dive into the most important factors to individualize and how coaches can leverage them to write better programs. The discussion starts by highlighting the nuance of exercise...