The Performance Connection Podcast

In this episode, Antonio Squillante joins to discuss the science, theory, and application of periodization. Antonio starts by sharing his experience in transitioning from American football to rugby and track and field. He then shares insights into his work for the USA Cycling national team, the challenges of training sprint cyclists, and the intensive training regimes they endure. We then shift ou...

In this episode, Gabrielle Fundaro joins the show to discuss the complexities of fitness, mental health, and coaching. Gabrielle takes us through her educational and professional journey, which involves intensive research on the role of the microbiome in metabolic diseases and her shift from academia to full-time coaching. We then delve into the relationship between our perception of body image an...

To individualize or not? This question is often the source of intense debate in the world of sports performance and training. Should nearly all athletes be following training programs that are 80% the same? Or are there sport and individual factors that should differentiate training programs? In this episode, Cam Josse joins to provide a deep dive into the debate around the importance of individua...

Are training for performance and aesthetics mutually exclusive? In this episode, fitness and performance expert Gareth Sapstead dives into the often-debated topic of training for performance versus aesthetics. The discussion starts by focusing on the role of strength training for body composition improvements in sports, particularly soccer and rugby. Gareth provides valuable insight into how to in...

Ever wondered how to bridge the gap between the controlled world of physical therapy and the unpredictable realm of sports? In this episode, sports performance coach Javi Miller Estrada shares his innovative approach to the return-to-play (RTP) process, emphasizing the understanding of the intricate relationship between the athlete and their environment to enhance their skills. Javi brings in a fr...

Ever wondered how to make complex fitness information digestible for clients or the general public? Joining the show is personal trainer and fitness writer, Shane McLean. Shane's journey highlights the essential role of strategic and effective communication. From leveraging connections to creating career opportunities, to continued success with clients.  Shane offers a fresh perspective on ho...

This episode tackles the cycle of chronic dieting and introduces an effective yet sustainable approach to fat loss. Registered dietitian, Garrett Serd, shares his approach to fat loss, known as 'phasic dieting', and how it stands apart from traditional fat loss methods. We dive into his three-phase approach to fat loss which includes a fat loss phase, a metabolic reset phase, and a maintenance pha...

This episode is a deep dive into the world of coaching in the modern era, where the athlete experience is likely different from the one you may have experienced. John Davis joins the show and shares his journey of working with a diverse range of athletes, and how his diverse educational and professional experiences have shaped his unique coaching style. He explains how he has constantly adapted an...

As coaches and trainers, how we teach, instruct, and cue exercises have a profound impact on movement performance. It has implications for skill acquisition, future performance, and even injury prevention. Dr. Merrick Lincoln, DPT, joins this episode to discuss the science of exercise instruction and emerging strategies for impactful teaching. We explore the concept of fundamental resistance train...

Supplement companies have been looking for and promoting ingredients to boost fat loss for decades. But do any of them actually work? In this episode, registered dietitian Ben Esgro breaks it down! Ben starts by explaining how we store and burn fat, and the most important factors at each step. He then delivers a comprehensive discussion on the common ingredients in fat loss supplements, their role...

Energy availability is a foundational component of performance nutrition. Yet, many aspects of it are misunderstood and athletes are unaware of its importance. In this episode, Jill Lane takes a deep exploration into the significance of energy availability in sports, how it impacts performance, and its relationship with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). She uncovers the tell-tale signs...

This episode takes a deep dive into improving movement skills, particularly in American football. Joining the show is Tyler Yearby who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, having held multiple roles in the world of performance such as a football strength and conditioning coach, a football position coach, and a skill acquisition coach. He is also pursuing his doctorate in sport...

Among all dietary approaches, there may not be any that have more intrigue, or confusion, than intermittent fasting (IF). Luckily, Dr. Grant Tinsley joins the show to explain the research on IF and its significance for your performance, body composition, and health. Listen as we dive into the research on intermittent fasting, its potential benefits and limitations, the physiological effects of fas...

In this episode, Rocky Snyder, a certified strength conditioning specialist and personal trainer with over 30 years of experience, details his unique perspectives on human performance and biomechanics. As the owner of a successful Santa Cruz studio, Rocky shares his journey from bodybuilding-style training to embracing unconventional education pathways that led him to uncover innovative training m...

Do you really know how to implement eccentric training effectively? In this episode, Dr. Tim Suchomel, an Associate Professor at Carroll University and a leading researcher on all things strength and power, breaks it down for you. Tim sets the record straight on what eccentric training is, the various methods, and their role in athletic development. Tim also discusses recent research on eccentric...

In this episode, Elijah "EZ" Muhammad, joins us to share his insights into merging traditional strength and conditioning methods with CrossFit principles through his journey as a collegiate basketball player, collegiate strength coach, CrossFit Games athlete, and CrossFit coach. Elijah describes how he integrates functional movements, intensity, and time domains to improve muscle mass, power, and...

In this episode, guest Nick DiMarco is here to give his take on CrossFit programming. We tackle the common criticisms of CrossFit programming, such as its alleged lack of progression and thoughtfulness, while examining how the sport combines various skills from gymnastics to strength and capacity. Learn how effective CrossFit training principles can create overload in multiple ways and design a we...

In this episode, Jackie Kaminski, a registered dietitian and expert in the field of combat sports nutrition, explores the science behind weight cutting. She dives into the dangers of dehydration and how we can use methodical approaches to mitigate risks. Jackie shares her insights on optimizing weight loss for fighters through diet manipulation, specifically targeting body fat loss and incorporati...

In this episode, Dr. Rob Gray discusses the importance of movement skills in sports and explores alternative approaches that are transforming the sports performance landscape. The traditional approach to learning movement skills focuses on breaking down complex movements into smaller components, teaching proper technique, and encouraging repetitive practice. However, this method may not be the mos...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lacey Hall, a dietitian and the director of clinical education for Microbiome Labs. We explored the fascinating world of the gut microbiome and its important roles in our overall health, such as supporting the immune system, brain development, neuroplasticity, and detoxification. We discussed the importance of diversity in our gut bacteria and h...

In this episode, Nick Lambe discusses the complexities of sleep and how it is often oversimplified. He explores why sleep hygiene is only part of the sleep puzzle and delves into the 3 primary reasons sleep issues develop. Nick also emphasizes the importance of sleep coaching and offers strategies to restructure limiting beliefs about sleep. We examine the 3 mechanisms that impact sleep quality an...

In this episode, Matt Ibrahim shares the top areas he feels are overlooked or neglected in sports performance training programs. Our discussion will explore topics such as training the calf and ankle, incorporating different types of plyometrics, targeting the adductors, and understanding the importance of loading the frontal plane. Join us as we uncover these often-overlooked elements, provide pr...

In this episode, dietitian Angie Asche dives deep into the impact of nutrition on body composition. We discuss common nutritional pitfalls when altering body composition and explore guidelines and tips for muscle gain, fat loss, and overall body composition improvement. Additionally, Angie shares valuable insights on helping clients accurately determine portion sizes and highlights nutrient timing...

Pregnancy and post-partum fitness expert, Ashton Koehlmoos, shares what trainers and coaches need to know when working with pregnant clients. She shares the most common misconceptions when it comes to pregnancy fitness as well as the most significant mistakes trainers make with their clients. Ashton also walks through each trimester and breaks down how trainers can best help their clients mentally...

World-renowned speed researcher and coach Ken Clark shares his most impactful strategies to improve sprint technique. These are ideal for coaches working with limited time, large groups, or both! Ken also discusses the most critical technical aspects of acceleration and top speed that athletes should strive for, regardless of sport. Time stamps: [6:19] Why sprint technique is a controversial topic...