The Coach U Podcast

Registered dietitian Dasha joins the Coach U Podcast to break down gut health, hormones, nutrition, recovery, and what it really means to fuel an active body.

We get into Dasha’s journey from dance and bodybuilding to nutrition research and becoming a registered dietitian, as well as her own experiences with gut health.

From there, we cover a wide range of topics, including:

•  Gut health and its connection to overall health 
•  Hormones, stress, sleep, exercise, and nutrition 
•  Fueling female and young athletes 
•  Under-eating, recovery, and athletic performance 
•  Nutrition during perimenopause and menopause 
•  GLP-1s and their potential applications 
•  Peptides and recovery 
•  Bodybuilding and extreme dieting 
•  Carbohydrates and athletic performance 
•  Seed oils and nutrition myths 
•  Dasha’s five SPEED pillars: Sleep, Personal Stress, Environmental Stress, Exercise, and Diet 

A big theme throughout this conversation is learning to look beyond quick fixes and one-size-fits-all advice. Nutrition, training, recovery, and health all need to be considered within the context of the individual.

Learn more about Dasha and CorePerform:
https://coreperform.com/

Follow Dasha: @DashaFitness

If you enjoyed the episode, follow the Coach U Podcast and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

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What if the problem isn’t your athletes… but how they’re being coached?

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Steven Whyte to break down what actually drives performance in youth athletes—and why the traditional “push harder” approach often misses the mark.

We dive into how gamification, competition, and smarter coaching strategies can create real buy-in, better effort, and stronger long-term development.

This isn’t about making training easy.
 It’s about making it effective.

We also cover:

•  Why athletes lose motivation (and how to fix it) 
•  The role of fun in high-level performance 
•  How to communicate with different types of athletes 
•  Why perfect reps aren’t the goal early on 
•  Understanding pain, overtraining, and recovery 
•  Building consistency without burnout 

If you’re a coach, parent, or athlete looking to improve performance without losing engagement, this episode will change how you approach training.

👉 Instagram: @coach_whyte

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Join Coach U as he sits down with Joseph Geletko, owner of TKO Athletic Performance in San Diego, for a fascinating deep dive into the psychological and neurological aspects of speed training. Joe brings a unique perspective as both a speed coach and licensed psychotherapist, working with youth athletes in baseball and soccer while also treating veterans with PTSD. This conversation explores how understanding the nervous system transforms how we train speed, why relaxation matters as much as stiffness, and how coordination beats pure effort every time.

Key Topics Covered

The Dual Coaching-Therapy Perspective (0:00-8:00)

• How psychotherapy training influences coaching philosophy
• Working with veterans and PTSD vs. coaching youth athletes
• Understanding the human experience across different contexts
• Why viewing speed training in perspective reduces pressure and increases enjoyment

The Nervous System & Speed (15:00-35:00)

• Why speed is fundamentally a nervous system activity
• How external factors (sleep, nutrition, stress, hydration) affect sprint performance
• The non-linear nature of speed progression vs. linear strength gains
• Teaching sprinting as a coordination skill, not just physical outputs

Stiffness vs. Relaxation (35:00-50:00)

• The critical difference between ground contact stiffness and flight phase relaxation
• Why facial tension affects whole-body performance through fascial connections
• Tactile feedback techniques for teaching relaxation
• The importance of breathing and spinal mobility in nervous system preparation

Practical Training Philosophy (50:00-END)

• "Once you start, never stop" - consistency over intensity
• Optimal training frequency: 2x per week for youth athletes
• Why more effort doesn't always equal better results
• Creating environments for maximal intent through competition and timing
• The 360-degree feedback approach: verbal, tactile, visual, and data-driven

Notable Quotes

"Speed training is not that important... and recognizing that helps me remove myself from taking myself too seriously as a coach."

"Speed is a function of the nervous system, and the nervous system is affected by so many other things outside of training."

"Sprinting is the highest level of coordination of nearly any human movement pattern... viewing it as a skill that needs to be learned changes everything."

"With sprint training, the more effort that an athlete gives, sometimes the slower they get. Teaching them how to relax and coordinate is actually the key."

Guest Bio

Joseph Geletko is the owner of TKO Athletic Performance in San Diego, specializing in speed training for baseball and soccer athletes, as well as ACL reconditioning. He's also a licensed psychotherapist working with veterans and active duty service members dealing with post-traumatic stress. This unique combination gives him profound insights into human performance across vastly different contexts.

Resources

• TKO Athletic Performance: San Diego, North County
• CONTACT INFO 

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In this episode of the Coach U Podcast, Coach U sits down with Seamus Sullivan—Performance Health Coach, co-host of The Macro Perspective, and leader at Cenegenics Beverly Hills. Together, they dive deep into what optimal health really means and how to simplify your wellness journey.

💡 What You'll Learn:

What biomarkers are and why blood panels matter

How to actually use your Oura Ring, Garmin, or Apple Watch for better training

The importance of muscle mass and VO2 max as you age

How to track progress without obsessing over numbers

Why recovery is more than rest—and how to make it work for U

📈 Whether you're just getting started or already deep in your training journey, there’s something here to help U push the needle forward—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
02:27 Meet Seamus Sullivan - Performance Health Coach
03:57 Understanding Cenegenics and Precision Medicine
05:38 Benefits of Holistic Healthcare
08:01 Biomarkers and Lab Testing
09:38 Importance of Hormone Balance
13:36 VO2 Max and Cardiovascular Health
16:00 Starting Your Fitness Journey
27:18 Recovery and Lifestyle Balance
36:39 Understanding HRV (Heart Rate Variability)
41:09 Identity Shifts and Personal Growth

Seamus Sullivan Contact Info:

• Instagram: Seamus Matthew Sullivan -> https://www.instagram.com/seamusmatthewsullivan/
• Podcast: The Macro Perspective --> https://www.instagram.com/themacropod/
• Cenegenics Beverly Hills: For longevity and healthspan support, contact the Cenegenics Beverly Hills flagship --> https://cenegenics.com/beverly-hills/

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Unleashing Mental Performance: Insights with Krystina Bertolone | CoachU Podcast

In this episode of the CoachU Podcast, host Coach U dives into the realm of mental performance with Krystina Bertolone, owner and founder of Game Changers Mental Performance. They explore the importance of mental toughness, resilience, and the impact of mindset on daily life and sports performance. Key topics include:
- Definition and significance of mental performance
- Building mental resilience and overcoming challenges
- The role of curiosity in personal growth
- Addressing self-judgment and victim mentality
- Effective communication and creating positive team culture
- Practical tools and exercises for enhancing mental performance

00:00 Introduction to CoachU Podcast
00:21 Meet Krystina Bertolone: Mental Performance Expert
00:32 The Importance of Mental Performance
00:57 Personal Journey and Mental Resilience
02:00 Understanding Mental Performance
02:41 Challenges in Communication and Team Culture
03:50 Curiosity and Overcoming the Victim Role
06:21 Rapid Fire Questions with Krystina
09:42 Diving Deep into Mental Performance
18:41 Judgment vs. Curiosity
30:27 The Role of Vulnerability in Mental Performance
34:19 The Power of Feelings and Safety
35:04 Impact of Safe Environments on Performance
36:51 Mental Performance and Emotional Awareness
40:31 Turning Reactions into Responses
43:46 Proactive Mindset and Coping Strategies
46:59 Learning from Mistakes and Evolving
01:02:09 The Role of Social Media and Authenticity
01:05:15 Rediscovering the Joy of Creation
01:06:34 Humanizing the Athlete
01:08:50 Navigating Pain, Stress, and Anxiety
01:10:25 Building Habits and Coping Skills
01:15:55 Reflecting on Growth and Evolution
01:24:31 Empowering Productive Communication
01:36:58 Workshops, Presentations, and Keynotes
01:38:24 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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Join Coach U and exercise physiologist Ken O’Shea in uncovering the profound impact of breath work on both athletic performance and mental health. Delve into breathing techniques that enhance endurance, reduce stress, and promote well-being. Explore the strategic application of nasal breathing in sports performance, pain management, and how self-massage aids in muscle recovery. With insights into stress management, discover how exercise acts as a natural antidepressant and the importance of evaluating breathing patterns under stress. This in-depth discussion also highlights Ken’s workshops and an upcoming app focused on breathing and mobility. Perfect for athletes or anyone seeking improved health and relaxation.

00:00 Mastering Breath Work: Techniques for Pain Relief and Peak Performance with Ken O'Shea of Refuge Reset
00:14 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:43 Kenny O'Shea's Background and Work
04:02 Quickfire Questions: TV Shows and Music
06:44 The Science of Breath Work
12:03 Breath Work Techniques for Performance
16:00 Breathing and Endurance in Sports
26:01 Breath Work and Pain Management
43:26 Effective Self-Massage Techniques
44:11 Understanding Fascia and Fluid Dynamics
44:43 The Role of Muscle Contraction in Fluid Movement
45:36 Maintaining Muscle Length Through Training
46:22 Breathing and Its Impact on Performance
47:29 Key Muscles Involved in Breathing
49:40 The Connection Between Breath Work and Body Work
51:58 Building Awareness and Proprioception
54:18 Listening to Your Body During Training
55:27 Testing and Retesting for Optimal Performance
01:00:31 Managing Stress and Anxiety Through Breathing
01:10:02 Workshops and Resources for Breath Work
01:14:21 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

For more information on Ken's workshops, free classes, or personal consultations, you can visit Refuge Reset www.refugereset.com or reach out via email at [email protected].
INSTAGRAM @refuge_reset

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Unlocking Game Speed with Multidirectional Expert Jason Feairheller | Coach U Podcast

In this episode of the Coach U Podcast, we are joined by Jason Feairheller , a multidirectional speed expert and host of the Game Speed Podcast. Jason shares his journey into the sports performance industry, his favorite TV shows, and music interests.We delve into various aspects of athletic performance, discussing the science behind speed and agility, the difference between change of direction and agility, and the importance of training angles in sports. Jason also touches on key training tools and exercises, and the importance of intent in coaching. Watch to gain insights into Jason's coaching philosophy and methods designed to improve speed, power, and agility in athletes.

00:00 Introduction to the Coach You Podcast
01:30 Meet Jason Feairheller : Multidirectional Speed Expert
01:48 Jason's Journey: From College to Private Training
02:43 Personal Favorites: TV Shows and Music
04:04 The Joy of Coaching and Client Success
04:43 Impact Deck: Choosing New Skills
08:03 Understanding Agility and Change of Direction
17:06 Training Techniques: Deceleration and Redirecting Force
21:21 Game Speed vs. Traditional Speed Training
26:06 Skill Development in Sports
26:26 Misconceptions in Speed Training
28:44 Effective Speed Training Techniques
31:19 Importance of Angles in Sports
42:13 Strength Training for Speed and Agility
47:22 Favorite Training Tools and Techniques
50:41 Specialization in Sports
52:00 Key Takeaways for Athletes
53:37 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

GET IN TOUCH WITH JASON
https://www.instagram.com/jasonfeairh...

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In this info packed episode of the Coach U Podcast, we're joined by Eric Yavarone and Noah Huff from 5 Tool Connection, an organization dedicated to athlete development through tailored training programs. Our guests share invaluable insights into the science of honing athletic performance, focusing on body movement analysis and individualized program design to propel athletes toward their peak potential.

We delve into the intricacies of performance training, pulling back the curtain on the methods Eric and Noah employ with athletes across the sports performance spectrum, from new athletes to seasoned pros. The discussion spans everything from the importance of routine and consistency in athletes' training regimens to the critical role of recovery and nutrition in achieving optimal performance.

Eric and Noah also share their personal journeys, shedding light on the foundation of 5 Tool Connection and the vision that drives their work. Through rapid-fire questions, fun exchanges, and deep-dive explorations into the technicalities of athletic training, this episode is packed with engaging content and actionable advice.

Whether you're an athlete yourself, a coach looking to broaden your understanding, or simply someone fascinated by the mechanics of sports performance, this episode offers a ton of knowledge. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by the dedication and expertise of Eric Yavarone and Noah Huff.

Remember to subscribe to the Coach U Podcast and share this episode with anyone passionate about enhancing athletic performance and understanding the science behind it.

Contact Five Tool Connection here!
https://fivetoolconnection.com/pages/...

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Welcome to the latest episode of the Coach U Podcast, where we bring you the latest insights from the world of coaching and sports performance. In this episode, our host, Coach U, is joined by the incredible Alan Dean, head performance coach for Great Britain Baseball and seasoned strength and conditioning coach with over 30 years of experience. Get ready to dive deep into the world of athletic development and coaching as we discuss the power of building personal connections and understanding athletes on a personal level.

Main Topics Covered
1. Holistic Coaching Approach - Building personal connections with athletes.
2. Athletic Development - Non-linear progress and energy management.
3. Technology Impact - Global connectivity and information overload.
4. Movement Proficiency - Quality and efficiency in training.
5. Individual Support - Tailoring encouragement based on personalities.
6. Sport Specific Training - Similarities and differences in cricket and baseball.
7. Social Norms - Teaching life skills and adapting to changes.

Throughout the episode, Coach U and Alan Dean shed light on the significance of kids playing multiple sports, and how this diverse engagement can shape individuals as well-rounded athletes. We explore how playing multiple sports can enhance an athlete's skills across different planes and build robust conditioning. It's not just about physical prowess, but also about allowing for recovery and nurturing both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Plus, incorporating fun activities and warm-up games before training can energize and invigorate young athletes, setting the stage for optimal performance and enjoyment.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn as we discuss the significance of combating impostor syndrome and spreading positivity. Alan Dean highlights the impact of genuine relationships with athletes, and the rich rewards that come from understanding and supporting them beyond the boundaries of the sports field. It's a heartfelt reminder of the transformative power of coaching and the deep fulfillment that comes from positively influencing the lives of young athletes.

The impact of technology on coaching takes center stage, with Alan Dean emphasizing the positive possibilities of global connections and information accessibility. However, the discussion prompts reflections on the need to navigate through a sea of information and align it with personal values and coaching philosophies. The communal spirit of the coaching world and the shift towards prioritizing movement quality over sheer strength emerge as paramount themes, underlining the ever-evolving landscape of athletic development and performance enhancement.

Amidst the enriching conversations, the podcast surfaces compelling discussions about the importance of supporting and encouraging young athletes in today's dynamic coaching environment. Alan Dean's insights into understanding athletes as individuals and tailoring support based on their personalities and strengths echo the heart-centered coaching approach that resonates with coaches and athletes alike.

The episode concludes with a captivating conversation on the differences and similarities between sports such as baseball, cricket, and soccer, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diverse world of athletic training and skill development.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes and insightful conversations on the Coach U Podcast, where coaching isn’t just a profession, it’s a profound journey of heart, passion, and transformation.

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In this episode of the Coach U Podcast, movement specialist Lee Taft shares valuable insights on the connection between fundamental movements, speed development, and athletic performance. Taft's expertise extends beyond traditional speed coaching, as he emphasizes the crucial role of fundamental movement patterns in building a strong base for athletes. 

Let's explore the key takeaways from the episode and how they can benefit coaches and athletes in their training approach.

Embracing Mistakes and Learning:

Taft stresses the importance of allowing athletes to learn from their mistakes, acknowledging that learning often starts with failure. He emphasizes that it's okay for athletes not to be perfect from the beginning and encourages a growth mindset that values trial and error as a part of the learning process.

Progressive Skill Development:

The discussion highlights the value of starting athletes at a manageable pace and gradually increasing the difficulty of skills. By providing detailed feedback and allowing self-reflection, coaches can help athletes better understand skill execution, promoting steady skill development and motor control.

Coaching Flexibility and Problem-Solving:

Taft emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt and encourage athletes to think critically and problem-solve independently. This approach aligns with the evolving nature of coaching and supports comprehensive skill development.

Sprinting Techniques and Training:

Taft provides insights into sprinting mechanics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining specific angles and coordination between arm and leg movements for better efficiency and power output. He also discusses the use of training tools such as wickets to improve running mechanics and prevent overstriding.

Mastering Fundamental Movements:

Taft stresses the importance of mastering fundamental movement patterns before moving on to advanced skills. This emphasis on foundational movements prepares athletes for specific movements in their sports and contributes to injury prevention and long-term athletic development.

Coaches and athletes can apply these principles to create a learning environment that values mistakes, prioritizes gradual skill development, and emphasizes the mastery of fundamental movement patterns. By integrating these concepts into their training, coaches and athletes can establish a strong foundation for athletic success and continuous improvement.

Lee Taft Website 
Coach U Podcast YouTube

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