In this episode of the Shift Change Podcast, I sit down with Bo Sandoval to break down what it really means to set the standard — in sports, leadership, and life.

We start by unpacking what a strength and conditioning coach actually does, then dive into Coach Sandoval’s journey from Belhaven University to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, and eventually working with elite athletes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

From training Olympic-level and professional fighters to preparing athletes for the highest levels of competition, we explore how those same principles apply directly to firefighters and first responders — consistency, accountability, recovery, mental toughness, and showing up ready when it matters most.

This conversation bridges the gap between elite athletic performance and real-world service, highlighting how proper training, culture, and leadership can help first responders perform at a higher level and stay in the fight longer.

🎙️ Shift Change Podcast — real conversations about sports, leadership, and life.