Be Legendary Podcast

In this episode of Beyond Sets & Reps, I sat down—literally in the recovery room at Summer Strong—with someone I’d never met until 20 minutes before hitting record: Dr. Jacob Lonowski. When I asked Bert Sorin who I should talk to out of hundreds of top-tier professionals, he didn’t hesitate with Jacob’s name. What followed was one of the most eye-opening conversations I’ve had, uncovering how Jacob’s winding path—from business consulting to strength and conditioning to PT school—ultimately led him to Virginia High Performance, where he’s now helping Navy SEALs and special operators heal and rebuild their lives. His insights on proximity, service, and scaling healing had me leaning in from start to finish.

Jacob shares how he’s learned to walk in the gray area between performance and recovery—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—and what it really means to serve others at the highest level. We dug into how trauma and sacrifice shape human performance, the challenges of working in elite military settings, and what young professionals get wrong when chasing a similar path. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly develop your personal potential and make a lasting impact, this conversation will absolutely make you think twice about what you're doing today and where you're headed tomorrow.

Big thanks to podcast sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.

In part two of our Research 2 Reps Roundtable with Dr. Curt Tomasevicz, we dive deeper into the science behind bobsled training, mechanics, and athlete development. We talk about how video analysis and biomechanics shape the training of elite bobsledders, from sprint mechanics to start technique. Curt shares how his engineering background uniquely informs his work with sled design and athlete feedback, making the sport a blend of science, engineering, and raw athleticism.

We also explore talent identification—how the team scouts athletes through combines (both virtual and in-person) and what physical and mental traits they look for in new recruits. Curt breaks down the different roles in the sled, the importance of reaction time, and why pilots are often former push athletes. We wrap up with a discussion on athlete longevity, common injuries, and some great book recommendations that every coach and athlete can learn from. This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about strength and conditioning, sports science, or building elite athletic performance from the ground up.

Big thanks to podcast sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.

In this episode of the Research 2 Reps Roundtable, I sit down with my co-hosts Ted and Ernie to welcome Dr. Curt Tomasevicz—Olympic gold and silver medalist, high-performance director, and assistant professor. Curt takes us on his journey from growing up in a small Nebraska town to competing in three Olympic Games and now balancing multiple roles in sports performance and academia. He shares what it takes to identify, train, and develop bobsled athletes who can handle the unique demands of the sport.

We dive into what makes the perfect bobsledder, from their blue-collar work ethic to their mental toughness and ability to thrive under pressure. Curt unpacks how he looks for talent from diverse sports backgrounds, and how athletes who just missed their dream in one sport might find new opportunities in another. If you're a strength coach, sports scientist, or simply curious about elite athlete development, you won't want to miss this episode.

Big thanks to podcast sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Britt Achterhoff goes even deeper into the life experiences that shaped her personal and professional path. She opens up about one of the most difficult periods of her life—tearing her ACL while her father was terminally ill and struggling academically due to undiagnosed ADHD. Through all of this, one person stood solid in her corner: her strength coach, Dennis "D Love" Love. Britt credits him with not only giving her a place to belong, but also with showing her what leadership, mentorship, and care truly look like. That pivotal support became the root of her passion for the industry and her mission to make an impact beyond equipment sales.

Britt also reflects on how her experiences—from student leadership to moments of being the only woman in high-level performance meetings—have uniquely positioned her to lead from a place of empathy and real-world perspective. She discusses her "existential career crisis" after becoming a mom of two, and how that inspired her to create professional development conversations for coaches that center on real life—not just sets and reps. This episode is a raw reminder that what happens off the field or outside the weight room often shapes us the most, and Britt's story is a powerful call to action for supporting the whole person—not just the professional title.

Big thanks to podcast sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.

In this episode of Beyond Sets & Reps, Britt Achterhoff shares her powerful and personal journey from collegiate athlete to respected team member at Sorinex. A former Clemson soccer player, Britt reflects on how her love for the weight room and a chance encounter during a facility renovation launched her into the strength and conditioning industry—though not in the traditional coaching sense. Instead, she carved out her path on the vendor side, traveling across the Southeast, immersing herself in the strength community, and earning respect through grit, relationships, and a deep passion for the field. Her story is one of relentless work ethic, identity exploration, and embracing the messy parts of career growth, especially as a young woman in a male-dominated space.

Britt also opens up about how motherhood reshaped her perspective on work, life, and purpose. As her role evolved from equipment sales to business development, she found herself craving more meaningful impact—and more balance. Her vulnerability in discussing postpartum challenges, identity shifts, and the importance of supportive workplace culture offers valuable insight for anyone navigating career transitions or family life. Britt's passion for creating professional development opportunities in the industry is evident, and this conversation is a testament to the power of showing up authentically, even when the path forward isn't crystal clear.

Big thanks to podcast sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.

In part 2 of the Research 2 Reps Roundtable episode, Felix Proessl continues to share his wealth of experience in sports science, particularly in how teams navigate the unique challenges of international travel and cultural adaptation. The discussion touches on the complexities of preparing athletes for games abroad, including the physiological and behavioral adjustments required when traveling to different time zones, altitudes, and climates. Felix provides insight into how professional sports teams balance performance optimization with the realities of international commitments, such as media obligations, while also addressing concerns around food safety and player health when abroad.

The conversation also shifts to the growing role of student involvement in sports science, with Felix reflecting on his time at the University of Pittsburgh, where he helped bridge the gap between academia and athletics. He emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity among students and integrating them organically into sports teams, where they can apply their research skills to real-world problems. Additionally, Felix shares his experiences with central fatigue research, discussing how wearable tech and data analysis are helping to manage fatigue and improve athlete performance. The episode concludes with a recommendation for a thought-provoking read, Statistical Rethinking, which challenges traditional views of hypothesis testing and encourages a more nuanced approach to decision-making in sports science.

A big thanks to show sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.

In this episode of the Research 2 Reps Roundtable, hosts Dr. Pat Ivy, Dr. Ted, and Dr. Ernie Reimer dive deep into the world of sports science with special guest Felix Proessl, Senior Director of Sport and Data Science for the Colorado Rapids. Felix shares his journey from collegiate soccer player in Germany to leading sport science initiatives in Major League Soccer, blending his academic background with real-world applications. The conversation explores the balance between acute needs and long-term performance goals, as Felix reflects on how his research and data-driven decisions are shaping the training and recovery strategies for professional athletes.

The roundtable also tackles the complex challenges of altitude, travel logistics, and recovery in the MLS. Felix discusses the impact of travel on performance, particularly when teams face the daunting task of adjusting to different time zones and environmental factors. The group also delves into the intersection of science and superstition, with Felix explaining how they navigate players' personal routines and beliefs while maintaining a data-informed approach. This episode offers a fascinating look at the evolving role of sports science in professional soccer, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, flexibility, and thoughtful decision-making in optimizing athlete performance.

A big thanks to show sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.

In part two of my conversation with Jim Beebe, we dive deeper into the mindset and habits that shape successful athletes, parents, and teams. Jim shares powerful insights on the importance of strength training for young athletes, emphasizing that lifting can be a game-changer in preventing injuries and creating a competitive advantage. He also discusses the critical role of adversity in personal growth, urging parents and coaches to allow young athletes to struggle, fail, and learn resilience rather than shielding them from challenges. Jim explains how structured discipline, accountability, and hard work—not just talent—are the true separators at the highest levels of competition.

We also explore team dynamics, leadership, and the evolving standards in elite-level performance. Jim highlights the necessity of fostering team accountability, helping athletes develop strong core values, and ensuring that leadership comes from within the team. The discussion extends to the culture of top college football programs, including behind-the-scenes insights from Ohio State and Michigan, where attention to detail, relentless improvement, and data-driven training set championship-caliber teams apart. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for athletes, parents, and coaches looking to build a culture of excellence both on and off the field.

A big thanks to show sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.

In Part 1 of this Beyond Sets & Reps episode, I sit down with Jim Beebe, a coach, gym owner, and author whose journey through strength training, business, and personal transformation is nothing short of inspiring. Jim shares how his early experiences shaped his love for athletics, despite facing challenges growing up. He details the pivotal moment in his mid-30s when he realized he wasn't setting the right example for his children, leading him to completely transform his health and career. What started with P90X in his living room turned into an internship at a CrossFit gym, eventually leading him to open his own training facility. Jim dives into the sacrifices he made, including financial struggles and long hours, to build his gym from the ground up. His commitment to learning, coaching, and helping others—especially young athletes and individuals facing adversity—has defined his purpose and mission.

Jim also discusses his evolution as a coach, expanding beyond his gym to impact more people through his book, Athlete Built: The Blueprint to Build Champion Athletes, and his new digital course. He shares how his philosophy is rooted in structured habits, mindset, and training principles that apply to both sports and life. We talk about the importance of setting goals, measuring progress, and developing a blueprint for success, whether you're an aspiring athlete or simply trying to improve yourself. His journey is a testament to perseverance, the power of mentorship, and the willingness to take risks in pursuit of something greater. Tune in to hear Jim's story of reinvention, hard work, and the strategies he's developed to help athletes and everyday people reach their full potential.

A big thanks to show sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.

In the second half of this episode of the Research to Reps Roundtable, the conversation continues with Cam Josse diving deeper into the nuances of sports science and coaching communication. The discussion focuses on the importance of clear, structured protocols for managing training loads and player readiness. Cam shares insights into how Auburn's staff utilizes data without overwhelming coaches or athletes, ensuring that interventions are meaningful and effective. The group discusses how mental health has emerged as a critical area in athlete development, often taking precedence over traditional performance metrics. Cam emphasizes that sports scientists need to shift their focus beyond just collecting and analyzing force plate data; they must also address pressing issues like athlete well-being, team dynamics, and the challenges of integrating transfer athletes into established programs.

The conversation then explores the evolving landscape of college football, particularly with the growing influence of NIL deals and the professionalization of the sport. Cam and the hosts discuss how financial incentives are changing team dynamics, with college athletes now able to see their market value and, in some cases, negotiate their roles. They also touch on the shifting priorities in player development, noting that long-term training approaches are being replaced by a more immediate, results-driven model. The episode closes with a reflection on the challenges of balancing player performance, team needs, and individual goals in an ever-changing collegiate landscape. Cam recommends several books on leadership and negotiation, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and communication in both coaching and athlete development.

Shout out to our podcast sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible!