Talkin' Pitt by Pitt Sports Performance

Talki' Pitt # 42- John Bloom- Strengh In Numbers Book

In this episode of Talking Pit Podcast welcomes Coach John Bloom, an incredible strength and conditioning professional turned entrepreneur, to share his fascinating journey in coaching and his transition from collegiate athletics to building his own business. From his early days as an athlete mentored by a passionate strength coach to running teams as a college undergraduate, Coach Bloom reflects on the experiences and mentors that shaped his career.
In this episode, we discuss:
Coach Bloom’s unique coaching journey, starting with middle school athletes to leading collegiate teams.
His decision to leave collegiate coaching for entrepreneurship and the values that guided this transition.
The challenges and rewards of working with athletes of all ages, from middle schoolers to professionals.
An exclusive preview of his upcoming book, Strength in Numbers, featuring lessons and insights from 108 top coaches across various sports and disciplines.
 
Coach Bloom opens up about the importance of community among coaches, navigating burnout, and building a career aligned with personal values. Plus, he gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the structure of his book, which is designed to be a powerful resource for coaches at any stage of their journey.
 
Mark your calendars! Strength in Numbers launches December 10th and will be available on Amazon. Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation, and don’t miss the chance to grab exclusive bonuses during the book’s first week of release.
 
📚 For more on Coach Bloom’s work or to download a free preview of his book, visit JohnBloomCoaching.com. Follow him on Instagram @JohnBloom30 to stay connected!
🖤💛 Hail to Pitt!
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                        
 
Strength in Numbers Link
https://a.co/d/2kOBLI6
 
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

Talkin' Pitt #41 Special Edition- Panther Insider- Pitt Sport Science Collaboration

In this special episode of the Talkin' Pitt Podcast, we feature a fascinating segment from Panther Insider, where guest host Pat Bostick dives deep into the cutting-edge world of sports science at Pitt Athletics. Joining the conversation are Dr. Tim Suchomel, director of Pitt's Master of Sports Science program, and Stephanie Mock, assistant athletic director for sports performance. Together, they unpack how sports science is giving Pitt athletes a competitive edge on the field, court, and beyond.
Highlights include:
What is Sports Science?: A multidisciplinary approach that integrates data to optimize athlete performance and guide decision-making.
Hands-On Learning: How Pitt’s unique Master of Sports Science program embeds students with teams like men's soccer and women's volleyball to provide real-world experience and contribute to success at the highest levels.
Victory Heights: A sneak peek at Pitt’s state-of-the-art sports performance facility currently under construction and its transformative potential for training, education, and recruitment.
Game-Day Readiness: Insight into how tools like force plates, wellness questionnaires, and catapult technology are used to monitor and enhance athlete performance.
Whether you're a fan of Pitt Athletics or fascinated by the science behind sports, this episode provides an inside look at the innovative strategies driving success at Pitt. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes conversation with two leaders at the forefront of sports science!
Tune in now! 🏀⚽🏐 #H2P
 
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

Talkin' Pitt #40 Speed, Strategy, and Scaling Success: Insights from Coach Eric Lichter of +2 University

In this episode of Talking Pit, we sit down with Coach Eric Lichter of +2 University, one of the most innovative names in sports performance training. Known for his data-driven approach and extensive use of technology like the 1080 Sprint, Eric shares insights into how he built +2 University, his entrepreneurial mindset, and his philosophies on speed training.
We dive deep into Eric’s journey from private sector beginnings to serving as Ohio State’s Director of Football Performance, and back to revolutionizing the private training world. Discover how he scaled +2 University to feature cutting-edge tech and a robust team of coaches while maintaining an individualized, athlete-centered approach.
Key takeaways include:
 
The importance of speed training and when to integrate it into programming.
How to effectively use tools like the 1080 Sprint for resistance/assistance profiling.
Building systems for athlete performance that scale without sacrificing quality.
Why lifting after sprinting is a game-changer for performance and injury prevention.
Valuable lessons for young strength coaches on balancing innovation, mentorship, and entrepreneurial thinking.
 
This episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights for coaches, trainers, and athletes alike. Whether you’re curious about advanced tech, athlete programming, or the mindset behind a successful training facility, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                        
 
Eric Lichter Contact
Instagram: @ericlichter  @plus2university
 
 
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

Talkin Pitt #39 "The Journey of Coach KJ: From Athlete to University of Oregon Strength Coach"

In this episode of Talkin Pitt, we dive into the career journey of Coach KJ, a dedicated strength and conditioning coach at the University of Oregon and a former athlete at UMBC. Join us as Coach KJ shares her path from college athlete to coach, with key stops at Pitt, Colorado, and Florida State, eventually landing her role at Oregon where she works with women’s basketball and softball. We discuss the unique challenges of coaching dual sports, managing athlete performance with advanced tools like force plates and Polar systems, and the importance of mentorship—especially for women in a male-dominated field. Coach KJ also offers insights into customizing training programs to fit each athlete’s needs, adapting to the demands of the Big Ten travel schedule, and how she approaches team readiness and recovery. This episode is packed with practical coaching advice and stories from the field—perfect for anyone interested in athletic training, mentorship, or sports performance.
 
Tune in to learn from Coach KJ's experiences and gain inspiration from her dedication to athlete development!
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                        
 
KJ Jackson Contact
Instagram: @coach_kj24
Email: kaelinj@uoregon.edu
 
 
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 

Talkin Pitt #38 "From the Weight Room to Leadership: Coaching, Communication, and Career Transitions" Rebekah Gold- Art of Coaching

In this episode of Talking Pitt, we sit down with Rebekah Gold, a strength and conditioning coach with an incredible career journey. From starting out in the weight room during her high school days to working with college athletes and now high schoolers, Rebecca shares her insights and experiences along the way. We discuss her transition from a full-time coaching role to becoming a leadership and communication consultant at Art of Coaching. Rebekah talks about the challenges of balancing passion for coaching with the realities of the job, the importance of building trust with athletes, and how small changes can make a big impact in coaching. Whether you're in the S&C field or just curious about what it's like to coach athletes at various stages of their development, this episode is full of golden nuggets about leadership, communication, and athletic development.
 
Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with career advice, personal stories, and plenty of inspiration for coaches at every level.
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                        
 
Rebekah Gold Contact
Instagram: @coach_bgold
Twitter: @sittig97
 
Website: www.artofcoaching.com
 
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 

Talkin' Pitt #37 “Insights from a Strength & Conditioning Legend” Mike Boyle – Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning

In this episode of Talking Pit, we sit down with one of the most respected names in the strength and conditioning world, Coach Mike Boyle. With over 40 years of experience across the private sector, collegiate, and professional sports, Coach Boyle shares his thoughts on the current state of strength and conditioning.
 
We dive into the balance between coaching fundamentals and the influx of technology in sports performance. Coach Boyle discusses the importance of actionable data, keeping athletes engaged, and the evolution of his training philosophies. He emphasizes the critical role of soft skills in coaching and why relating to athletes is just as important as knowing the science behind strength training. Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights on building effective training systems, adapting to new ideas, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
 
Tune in to learn how Coach Boyle continues to evolve his methods while staying grounded in the fundamentals of strength and conditioning.
 
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
Mike Boyle Contact
Instagram: @michael_boyle1959
Twitter: @mboyle1959
 
Website: www.strengthcoach.com
www.mbsc.tv
www.bodybyboyle.com
 
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

Talkin' Pitt #36 “The Journey from athlete to Elite Performance Coach: learning from legendary coach along the way” Mike Guadango – Freak Strength

In this episode of Talkin Pitt, we sit down with Mike Guadango, the founder of Freak Strength, to explore his journey from aspiring physical therapist to renowned strength coach. Mike shares his early experiences with influential mentors like Joe DeFranco, Buddy Morris, and James Smith, and offers insights on how his time at Pitt shaped his coaching philosophy. From building a gym on a shoestring budget to managing elite NFL athletes, Mike's story is packed with valuable lessons on training, business, and personal growth. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with humor, wisdom, and practical advice for aspiring coaches and athletes alike.
 
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                        
 
Mike Guadango Contact
Instagram: @guadango @freakstrength @mikeandbrooker
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 

Talkin' Pitt #35 “Building/Growing with a Sports Performance Department” Angie Brambley-Moyer – Head Performance Coach - Princeton University

In this episode of "Talking Pit," we sit down with Angie Bramley Moyer, the Head Performance Coach at Princeton University. Angie shares her journey from growing up in Pennsylvania to becoming a key figure in collegiate athletics. We delve into her early experiences at the University of Pittsburgh, where she got her start in strength and conditioning, and discuss the evolution of her career over 21 years at Princeton. Angie provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of strength and conditioning, the importance of technology in training, and the unique challenges and rewards of working with Ivy League student-athletes. She also touches on the significance of communication and relationship-building in coaching, offering advice for young strength coaches on how to navigate their careers and mentor the next generation. Whether you're a seasoned coach, an aspiring strength professional, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes world of collegiate athletics, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical tips. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that highlights the dedication and passion needed to thrive in the competitive field of sports performance.
 
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
Angie Brambley-Moyer Contact
Instagram: @strengthgirl
Email: brambley@princeton.edu
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

Talkin' Pitt #34 “Understanding Quadcurrent/Omni Contraction Training” Ben Prentiss – Prentiss Hockey Performance

Welcome to another episode of "Talking Pit"! Today, we are joined by Ben Prentice, renowned performance coach and founder of Prentice Hockey. Ben shares insights from his 25-year journey in the sports performance world, discussing the evolution of his training methodologies, the impact of technology in fitness, and the importance of mental toughness in athletes. From his experience with the New York Rangers and Boston University to training Olympic athletes and NFL players, Ben's approach to integrating isometric and eccentric training techniques is transformative. Tune in to learn about his unique Omni contraction system, the value of personalized athlete training, and why a holistic approach is key to success. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with practical advice for coaches and athletes alike.
 
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
Ben Prentiss Contact
Instagram: @prentissperformance
Email: info@prentisshockey.com
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

Talkin' Pitt #33 “Being a role model to your student-athletes, how coaching is more than reps and sets” Aj Whitehead – University of Wisconsin

In this "Talking Pitt" episode, we welcome Coach AJ Whitehead from the University of Wisconsin. AJ shares her journey into strength and conditioning, starting in Indiana's basketball scene, and how her passion for the weight room led to a career in strength and conditioning. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working with a small, dedicated team and the importance of building strong relationships with athletes. AJ also talks about the significance of integrating technology in training, including using tools like GPS and Oura rings for monitoring athletes' performance and recovery. She emphasizes the importance of being present, advocating for equity in the profession, and empowering young women. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the transfer portal, the value of multiple sports experience for young coaches, and the necessity of being dependable and reliable as an intern. Finally, AJ reflects on the role of mentorship and the impact of her past experiences on her current coaching philosophy. It was great having Coach Aj on the podcast, and we thank her for coming on today's episode. We hope you all enjoy the podcast and, as always, HAIL 2 PITT.
                              
Special Dedication
This episode is dedicated to Keith Vinci. Keith mentored Aj and Devin during their time at UMass Lowell. Keith passed away on November 17, 2022, after battling Burkitt’s Lymphoma.
 
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
Aj Whitehead Contact
Instagram: @ajax25
Email: AW2@athletics.wisc.edu
 
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”