Be Legendary Podcast

In this episode of the Research to Reps Roundtable, Dr. Pat Ivey, Dr. Ernie Rimer, and Dr. Ted Lambrinides sit down with Cam Josse, currently at Auburn, to discuss his experiences in strength and conditioning, particularly in college football. Cam shares insights into the challenges of ending a season without a bowl game, emphasizing the importance of reflection, maintaining a forward-thinking approach, and controlling what can be controlled. He discusses how his role, though not as a director, allows him to engage deeply in evaluating Auburn's 2024 season and strategizing for 2025. The conversation highlights the emotional aspect of missing a bowl game but stresses the necessity of focusing on progress rather than dwelling on setbacks.

The discussion then shifts to force-velocity profiling and its application in training athletes for optimal performance. Cam explains how different athletes exhibit varying force and velocity traits, influencing their sprinting and overall performance. He and the hosts explore how training should be individualized based on an athlete's position, body composition, and specific needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. They also touch on the complexity of sports science, emphasizing the need for practical decision-making and clear communication between strength coaches and head coaches. The importance of balancing physical training with mental and tactical aspects of the game is a recurring theme, with the group highlighting the risks of over-intervening and how strategic planning plays a key role in maximizing athlete development.

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In part two of our conversation, Dave Christensen opened up about his transition into retirement and his latest venture: the "Your Fourth Down" platform. He explained the ADAPT framework—Attitude, Discipline, Attention to Detail, Perseverance, and Touchdown—and how these principles guide success in sports and life. Hearing his personal stories of perseverance, from his humble beginnings to reaching professional achievements, was incredibly motivating.

We also discussed the evolving landscape of college sports, from NIL deals to transfer rules, and how it's changing the game. Dave's dedication to sharing his story and inspiring others through speaking and consulting reminds me why I love what I do—helping others reach their full potential, both on and off the field.

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

On this episode, I had the pleasure of catching up with Dave Christensen, a coach whose journey and impact on the game of football have been truly inspiring. We talked about the power of mentorship and how key figures like Coach Don James taught us life and leadership principles that extend far beyond the field. Dave reflected on the importance of structure, discipline, and pushing players out of their comfort zones to help them grow.

He also shared some of the major setbacks and sacrifices he's faced in his career, including the bold decision to adopt a spread offense—a move that completely transformed his team's trajectory. These pivotal moments led to some unforgettable wins and personal milestones in his coaching career.

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

In part 2 of the Research 2 Reps Roundtable, my co-hosts Dr. Ernie Rimer, Dr. Ted Lambrinides, and I continue our engaging discussion with Dr. Tim Suchomel, diving deeper into the essentials of long-term athlete development (LTAD). Dr. Suchomel emphasizes the importance of starting athletes with fundamental movement patterns, such as squats and hip hinges, to establish a strong foundation before progressing to advanced techniques like Olympic lifts. He highlights how focusing on movement quality at an early age helps prevent poor habits in college athletes and sets them up for success. We also explore practical ways to monitor and track athlete progress in settings with limited resources, underscoring that effective monitoring doesn't require expensive tools but rather consistent observation and creativity.

The conversation touches on key topics in youth sports, including the benefits of multi-sport participation versus early specialization. Dr. Rimer shares his perspective as a youth baseball coach, advocating for a balanced approach that builds a well-rounded athletic profile and prevents burnout and overuse injuries. We examine how motivation and fun should remain central to youth sports, while also fostering skill development and parental engagement. From debates over training priorities—such as hip speed versus bar speed—to the evolving landscape of strength and conditioning, this episode stresses the need for adaptable, research-backed methods. We conclude by encouraging coaches to prioritize needs analysis, embrace foundational knowledge, and stay open to new techniques that ensure holistic athlete development.

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

In this first part of a new Research 2 Reps Roundtable podcast episode, I'm joined by my co-hosts, Dr. Ernie Rimer and Dr. Ted Lambrinides, along with our guest Dr. Tim Suchomel, Associate Professor and Director of the Sports Science Master's Program at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Suchomel shares his extensive background in strength and power-oriented training and his current research on athlete monitoring and long-term athlete development. He delves into how his work on neuromuscular research and combining athletic, academic, and sports medicine resources is shaping his approach, particularly as he transitions to Pittsburgh and navigates the challenges presented by the transfer portal and extended athlete eligibility.

The conversation expands to discuss the importance of collaboration between organizations such as CSCCA and NSCA. We explore how working together can help create consensus statements and unified guidelines to address athlete health and performance challenges, particularly as the landscape of collegiate and professional athletics evolves with increased athlete transfers. Dr. Suchomel highlights the growing need for data-driven solutions and partnerships within the sports science field to ensure better development of athletes and to adapt to the changing dynamics in sports. This episode provides key insights into the future of strength and conditioning and how collaboration will drive progress in the industry.

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

In part 2 of our conversation with Asaad Ali on *Beyond Sets & Reps*, Asaad continues to share his journey, discussing his transition from athlete to videographer and his approach to building his own legacy while honoring his father's. He recalls his early career in baseball, including scouting for the White Sox and coaching, before taking a turn into videography at the University of Louisville. This career shift provided a new platform for his competitive drive as he set his sights on producing content that reflects his deep understanding of sports and the athlete's journey. Asaad discusses the importance of leveraging his name responsibly, demonstrating how he's shaped his professional identity through hard work, self-motivation, and the experiences that have defined his path.

Asaad also emphasizes the mindset that helps him create impactful sports content, drawing from his own athletic background and inspiration from directors who bring authenticity to their work. He details the fulfillment he finds in capturing the emotions and moments that matter most to athletes and their families, building meaningful relationships along the way. His insights encourage young athletes to consider life beyond the game and invest in personal growth early. If you missed part 1, be sure to go back and listen, as Asaad's reflections on growing up as Muhammad Ali's son and his journey through sports set the stage for this powerful continuation.

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

In this first part of the conversation, Asaad Ali shares his experience of growing up as the son of Muhammad Ali, delving into the unique and challenging aspects of living in his father's public shadow. Asaad reflects on the symbolic presence of his father in Louisville, where reminders of Muhammad Ali are everywhere—from airport names to local landmarks—underscoring the deep connection between his father and the city. He discusses the sense of pride and resilience he inherited from his father's legacy, aligning it with the underdog mentality often embraced by the University of Louisville community. Throughout the conversation, Asaad emphasizes the importance of remembering Muhammad Ali as both a global icon and a devoted father, offering insights into his journey to navigate and define his own identity.

Asaad's memories reflect both ordinary and profound moments, including watching his father's fights on VHS as a way to connect while Muhammad Ali was traveling for humanitarian work. He shares stories about how people reacted differently to his father in Louisville versus other places, allowing Asaad and his family moments of privacy that might not be possible today. He also delves into how he chose to carve his own path through baseball rather than boxing, finding a personal sense of accomplishment outside of his father's legendary career. This episode reveals a thoughtful, grounded approach to balancing family legacy with personal aspirations, providing listeners a deeper understanding of both the public and private dimensions of the Ali family.

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

In part 2 of the *Research to Reps Roundtable* podcast, co-hosts Dr. Pat Ivey, Dr. Ernie Reimer, and Dr. Ted Lambrinides continue their conversation with Paul Jones, sports scientist at The Ohio State University. Paul dives deeper into the challenges of integrating sports science methodologies across various levels of athletics and how different institutions respond to new technologies. The discussion touches on the balance between evidence-based practices and longstanding traditions, as well as how to effectively educate coaches and athletes to foster a data-driven approach. Paul also shares insights into the complexities of recruiting in the modern era of college sports, noting how transfer portals and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies have significantly changed the landscape.

The episode also explores Ohio State's new initiative, the Rapid Assessment and Monitoring Program (RAMP), which aims to evaluate athletes' force production and energy systems upon arrival to campus. Paul explains how this program offers a comprehensive picture of each athlete's strengths and limitations to inform training strategies quickly. Throughout the episode, Paul underscores the importance of collaboration among health and performance teams to enhance athlete care and performance. For more background, make sure to check out part 1, where Paul shares his experiences transitioning from the University of Louisville to Ohio State.

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

In this episode of *The Research to Reps Roundtable*, co-hosts Dr. Pat Ivey, Dr. Ernie Reimer, and Dr. Ted Lambrinides welcome Paul Jones, a leading expert in sports science, for part one of their conversation. Paul discusses the challenges of scaling his work to meet the demands of a larger program and adapting to a different environment. He also highlights the importance of humility, being open to learning from others, and building strong relationships within new contexts to create meaningful change and impact.

Throughout the episode, the group explores the evolving role of sports science in collegiate and professional athletics. Paul touches on how different institutions have varying levels of experience and expectations with technology like wearable devices, leading to unique challenges when integrating new strategies. They also discuss the application of research to real-world scenarios, such as training adaptations, travel logistics, and managing environmental factors like altitude and heat. This episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into sports science, the nuances of transitioning between organizations, and the impact of effective leadership and mentorship in driving progress.

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

In this episode of Beyond Sets and Reps, I connect with University of Virginia former running back Perris Jones to discuss his remarkable journey through adversity and the lessons he's learned along the way. Perris opens up about his academic and athletic experiences, including earning three degrees and overcoming a career-threatening spinal injury sustained during a game against the University of Louisville. He shares the emotional and psychological impact of the injury, as well as his remarkable recovery, which he attributes to the support of his family, coaches, and medical staff.

Perris also reflects on the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. He emphasizes his desire to inspire others by creating a nonprofit called "No Stars" to help young athletes reach their full potential, regardless of their perceived status or ranking. The episode concludes with a discussion on his plans to launch a podcast with his roommate, Michael Hollins, to provide a platform for ordinary people to share their extraordinary stories, and his continued passion for helping others as a motivational speaker.

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