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The Starting Block Podcast

John Nelson & Chris Scarborough

At The Starting Block Podcast, we want to give you, THE ATHLETE, THE COACH & THE PARENT the tools to WIN both on and off the field. Our team brings over 65+ years of combined experience in Athletics, Fitness and Sports Medicine. Our mission is to help you win and build our communities by passing on our knowledge & experiences, as well as that of our colleagues across the world. Our areas of expertise include: strength training, rehabilitation from injuries, power & speed development, nutrition as well as the mental/spiritual side of athletics.

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#127
June 4 · 57 min
Ep. 127 - Guest Interview - Rett Larson - No Zombies
In this Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome Rett Larson, a world renowned volleyball strength and conditioning coach. Rett has gold medals in the 2016 Olympics and 2015 World Cup amongst many other accolades. His 'No Zombies' approach and innovative warmups have taken social media by storm in the S&C field. In this episode, the guys discuss cultural differences in sports training, and practical tips for making warm-ups engaging and effective across various sports. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 01:15 Meet Rhett Larson: A Journey in Strength Conditioning 04:43 Cultural Insights from Coaching Abroad 09:35 The Demand for American Coaches in Global Sports 12:44 Learning from Different Training Philosophies 19:58 No Zombies: A New Approach to Warmups 28:24 Thermogenic Warm-Ups and Injury Prevention 30:43 Cultural Adaptations in Coaching 33:57 Innovative Training Techniques 36:12 Creative Drills for Engagement 48:49 Fun and Functional Training Methods
#126
April 17 · 47 min
Ep. 126: Dr. Brandon Walley, Part II
In this Guest Interview, Dr. Brandon Walley rejoins the show to discuss the latest advancements in red light therapy for eye health, vision processing, and athletic performance. He shares insights on how light frequencies impact vision, the importance of early detection of visual deficits in athletes, and practical tips for optimizing eye health and performance. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 02:03 Exploring Red Light Therapy 09:38 Vision and Sports Performance 20:49 Peripheral Vision and Depth Perception 21:31 Creating a Vision Performance Program 25:25 Navigating Vision Challenges in Aspiring Pilots 31:30 The Impact of Screen Time on Eye Health 43:02 Next Steps for Children's Eye Care 46:46 Finding the Right Eye Care Professional 47:39 SHOW INTRO MUSIC.mp3
#125
March 11 · 1 hr 13 min
Ep. 125: Guest Interview - Rolf Ohman
In this guest interview, John & Chris are joined legendary coach and co-founder of the 1080 Sprint, Rolf Oman. Rolf shares cutting edge insights into athletic performance, speed development and the science behind training elite athletes. Rolf also discusses how technology, biomechanics, and scientific principles can revolutionize training methods. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 08:52 The Science of Speed and Power Development 14:32 Dynamic Isometric Strength and Eccentric Training 21:57 Understanding Ground Contact Times 30:44 Measuring Eccentric and Concentric Phases 36:55 Over Speed Training and Its Implications 42:00 The Science of Repositioning and Injury Prevention 48:54 Training Elasticity: Can It Be Improved? 54:53 Periodization and Training Cycles 01:01:36 Understanding Resistance Training 01:08:13 The Mental Aspect of Elite Performance
#124
February 4 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 124: Guest Interview - Elijah Holyfield & David Buer
In this Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome back Elijah Holyfield and David Buer to discuss athletic development, the transition from football to WWE, and the importance of isometric training. They explore the misconceptions surrounding strength training, the role of the nervous system, and the need for discipline and proper execution in training. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding the true purpose of training and the importance of being prepared for athletic challenges. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Starting Block Podcast 02:15 Elijah's Transition to WWE 05:13 The Rise of Isometric Training 10:23 Understanding Strength Beyond Numbers 15:18 The Importance of Proper Execution 20:16 Communicating Training Concepts to Young Athletes 29:53 The Evolution of Measurement in Sports Training 33:08 Understanding Nervous System Training 36:04 The Importance of Signal Clarity 40:20 The Role of Discipline in Athletic Training 45:02 Attention to Detail in High-Level Performance 51:16 The Cost of Compromise in Training 57:09 The Path to Mastery and Preparedness
#123
January 16 · 50 min
Ep. 123: Guest Interview: Kayla Girgen, Author of "Ruck Fit"
In this guest interview, John and Chris welcome dietician, personal trainer and author, Kayla Girgen. Kayla joins the show to discuss her new book, "Ruck Fit" as well as share her journey from the corporate world to the fitness industry and more. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 02:35 Guest Introduction: Kayla Girgen and Her Journey 06:12 Nutrition Insights and the Role of Registered Dietitians 12:04 Understanding Blood Sugar Management 19:58 Exploring Rucking: Benefits and Community Engagement 27:19 The Rise of Rucking and 75 Hard 28:32 Walking as Exercise: Debating Its Value 31:03 Progressing in Rucking: Weight and Challenge 33:55 Rucking Mechanics: Posture and Weight Management 36:13 Rucking for Athletes: Building Endurance 38:13 Rucking as a Gateway to Strength Training 40:16 Incorporating Strength Exercises into Rucking 41:25 Choosing Between a Backpack and Weighted Vest 47:00 Getting Started with Rucking: Tips and Resources Preorder Ruck Fit on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ggD4Ip Follow Kayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylagirgenrd/ Sign up for Kayla's free weekly newsletter: https://wintheweek.gr8.com/ Kayla's go-to rucking set-up: GORUCK Rucker 4.0 & weight plates
#122
Nov 21, 2025 · 34 min
Ep. 122: Q&A - Water Training & How Isometrics Can Influence Speed
In this week's Q&A, John and Chris discuss the use of training with water based tools, how isometric lunges impact speed and protein supplementation. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Starting Block Podcast 02:58 Athlete Development and Training Insights 06:09 The Importance of Female Athlete Training 08:03 Evaluating Training Tools: Water-Filled Balls 19:55 Iso-Extreme Lunges and Sprinting Speed 29:39 Nutrition and Protein Recommendations
#121
Oct 30, 2025 · 45 min
Ep. 121: Guest Interview - Coach Anthony Cellitti
In this weeks Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome Coach Anthony Cellitti to the show. The guys discuss various topics, including the importance of building relationships with athletes, the effectiveness of the 1x20 training system, and the challenges associated with training athletes in todays society due to the influence of social media and more. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 03:06 Guest Introduction: Coach Anthony Saletti 05:59 Anthony's Coaching Journey and Philosophy 08:52 Ideal Athlete Qualities and Training Dynamics 11:51 Training Methodologies: The 1x20 System Explained 14:52 Practical Application of the 1x20 System 17:56 Challenges in Convincing Athletes to Train Differently 20:58 Bastardized Training Programs: Lessons Learned 24:31 Exploring Training Techniques and Recovery 30:12 The Challenge of Convincing Young Athletes 35:57 Building Relationships and Communication with Athletes 37:17 Innovations in Training Tools and Techniques
#120
Oct 9, 2025 · 30 min
Ep. 120: Q & A - Leg Drive, Hamstring Issues, Enhanced Recovery
In this week's Q & A John and Chris dive into the importance of leg power in pitching, the role of blood flow in enhancing recovery & recurring hamstring injuries. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 02:43 Understanding Athletic Development and Training Methods 05:17 The Importance of Leg Power in Pitching 11:24 Mechanics and Variability in Athletic Performance 16:56 The Role of Blood Flow in Performance and Recovery 20:36 Addressing Recurring Hamstring Injuries
#119
Sep 26, 2025 · 38 min
Ep. 119: Q & A - The Importance of Structured Training
In this weeks episode, hosts John Nelson and Chris Scarborough reconnect after a summer break to discuss their training experiences and their summer of coaching athletes. They delve into the importance of evaluating fitness content on social media, identifying effective training methods, and the significance of structured programs in athletic development. The conversation emphasizes the need for coaches to communicate clearly and monitor key performance indicators to ensure athletes' long-term success. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Show Overview 05:00 Summer Updates and Training Insights 14:05 Evaluating Fitness Content on Social Media 17:08 Evaluating Athletic Training Techniques 20:01 The Importance of Structured Coaching 22:22 The Role of Repetition in Training 24:43 Balancing Entertainment and Effectiveness in Coaching 25:34 Monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 30:25 Understanding Progression in Athletic Training
#118
Aug 5, 2025 · 52 min
Ep. 118: Athlete Spotlight - Drake Meeks, Pitcher - Southern Miss
In Athlete Spotlight episode, John and Chris welcome Drake Meeks, a talented pitcher from the University of Southern Mississippi. They discuss Drake's journey from a youth baseball player to eventual collegiate athlete. Topics include: the importance of body control in pitching, and the mental toughness required to succeed. Drake also shares his experiences with injury and recovery, including his Tommy John surgery, and emphasizes the significance of training and preparation. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for aspiring athletes and insights into the competitive nature of college baseball. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*
#117
Jul 10, 2025 · 36 min
Ep. 117: The Achilles Tendon Epidemic
In this episode, John and Chris discuss the multifaceted nature of athletic injuries, particularly focusing on the recent surge in Achilles tendon injuries in professional sports. They explore various factors contributing to these injuries, including training methods, the impact of modern technology and light exposure, and potential links to COVID-19 vaccinations. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to athlete health and injury prevention, urging coaches and trainers to consider all aspects of an athlete's environment and lifestyle. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Athletic Development 00:34 The Achilles Tendon Controversy 13:42 The Impact of Blue Light on Injuries 29:21 Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine and Musculoskeletal Disorders
#116
Jun 18, 2025 · 34 min
Ep. 116: Q & A - Weight Gain/Speed Loss & Yielding vs Extreme Iso's
In this episode John and Chris discuss various aspects of athletic development, focusing on the relationship between weight gain and speed loss, the differences between yielding isometrics and iso-extremes, and addressing common injuries like brachialis pain in pitching. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back to the Starting Block Podcast 06:00 Understanding Weight Gain and Speed Loss 16:01 Isometric Training: Yielding vs. ISO Extremes 28:03 Addressing Brachialis Pain in Pitching **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*
#114
Apr 30, 2025 · 56 min
Ep. 114: Guest Interview - Dr. Jen Perez of Gait Happens, Part II
In this guest episode John and Chris welcome back Dr. Jen Perez from Gait Happens. They discuss the importance of foot health in athletic performance, the impact of footwear on foot function, common foot problems faced by athletes, and the significance of proper foot care and strength training. The conversation also delves into the causes of bunions and the importance of preventative care to avoid surgery. Dr. Perez also discusses various aspects of foot health, including the importance of muscle strength in foot function, the connection between ankle sprains and foot pain, and the relationship between pelvic floor health and foot function. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 02:30 Welcoming Dr. Jen Perez Back 03:18 Gate Happens: Mission and New Products 05:15 Foot Health Education for All Practitioners 06:04 The Impact of Foot Function on Overall Health 08:35 Footwear and Its Effects on Athletic Performance 11:10 Strategies for Foot Health and Recovery 13:29 Introducing the Foot Health Kit 16:33 Assessing Toe Strength and Function 19:34 Common Foot Problems in Athletes 21:06 Understanding Bunions and Their Causes 28:57 Improving Foot Function and Aesthetics 30:52 The Importance of Muscle Strength in Foot Health 33:40 The Connection Between Ankle Sprains and Foot Pain 36:04 Pelvic Floor and Foot Health 40:26 Orthotics: When to Use and When to Avoid 45:25 Rehabilitation and Return to Sport 52:31 Foot Health Practices for Athletes **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*
#113
Mar 26, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 113: Guest Interview - Michael Fahey, Westside vs the World/OVR Performance
In this week's guest interview, John and Chris are joined by Michael Fahey, the director of Westside vs the World and Co-Founder of OVR Performance. The conversation explores Michael's journey from film to sports, the creation of his documentary, and the innovative approach of OVR Performance in revolutionizing athletic training through affordable and effective velocity-based training tools. Michael shares insights on the importance of coaching, the evolution of training methodologies, and the challenges faced in the sports industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 02:35 Guest Introduction: Michael Fahey 03:32 Michael's Journey into the Industry 10:52 The Impact of Forks Over Knives 12:55 Transitioning to NFL Network and Beyond 16:26 Creating West Side Versus the World 18:13 The Experience of Filmmaking 22:52 OVR Performance and Velocity-Based Training 31:45 The Framework of Lifting and Coaching 36:01 Learning from the Greats: Insights from Louie Simmons 40:41 Transitioning from Filmmaking to Coaching 44:50 OVR Performance: Revolutionizing Training Technology 51:59 Innovative Jump Systems and Their Impact 01:00:04 The Future of OVR: Apps and Connectivity **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*
#112
Mar 6, 2025 · 21 min
Ep. 112: Q &A - Measuring Progress Beyond Weight
In this week's Q & A, John & Chris discuss focusing on how to measure progress beyond just weight. They emphasize the significance of proper positioning in training, the role of velocity and intent in movement, and the foundational aspect of position in achieving athletic performance. The conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach to training that prioritizes movement quality and injury prevention. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*
#111
Feb 12, 2025 · 53 min
Ep. 110: Guest Interview - David Buer, Part IV
In this week's guest interview John & Chris welcome back a regular to the show, David Buer. The guys tackle a number of topics including: the power of mentorship in shaping youth athletes, authenticity in coaching, System X, discipline, navigating stress with emotion resilience and much more. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Mentorship in Youth Development 03:03 Embodiment and Authenticity in Coaching 06:14 System X: A New Approach to Training 09:08 The Role of Discipline in Execution 11:58 Handling Stress and Emotional Resilience 15:12 The Critical Nature of Execution 17:50 Mental Health and Discipline in Society 24:25 Cultural Shift Towards Meritocracy 25:27 Understanding Physical Execution and Mental Engagement 27:52 The Importance of Recovery in Training 33:46 Integrating Advanced Training Modalities 40:24 Preparing for Real-Life Demands 46:11 The Balance Between Performance and Recovery
#110
Jan 30, 2025 · 23 min
Ep. 110: Q & A - Extreme Joint Range of Motion & Red Light
In this week's Q & A, John and Chris answer you questions regarding: Does extreme or exaggerated range of motion help you to improve force production? Do you recommend red/infrared therapy? *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Athletic Development 01:35 Exploring Extreme Ranges of Motion 06:01 The Balance of Range of Motion and Force Production 09:36 Understanding PAILs and Rails in Training 14:12 The Benefits of Red and Infrared Light Therapy 19:11 Bridging the Gap: Technology and Athletic Performance
#109
Jan 21, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 109: Guest Interview - Tyson Gunter, Team USA Paralympian
In this guest interview, John & Chris are joined by Team USA Paralympian, Tyson Gunter. Tyson represented the United States in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and also has two World Championship Silver Medals. Tyson shares his experiences representing the United States as well as providing insights on his current framework for training athletes. He also discusses the role of various supplements like creatine, caffeine, and collagen in enhancing athletic capabilities. *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 04:10 Welcoming Tyson Gunter: A Paralympian's Journey 06:00 Tyson's Athletic Background and Discovery of Paralympics 11:00 Overcoming Challenges: Vision Impairment in Sports 13:55 The Impact of Vision on Performance 18:55 Nutrition: Simplifying the Complex 29:53 The Role of Supplements in Athletic Performance 31:24 The Necessity of Supplements in Modern Nutrition 32:21 The Importance of Sleep for Athletes 36:54 Key Supplements for Athletic Performance 42:14 The Role of Collagen in Recovery 48:28 Optimizing Protein Intake for Young Athletes 53:29 The Balance of Supplements and Real Food 58:40 Simplicity in Athletic Training and Recovery
#108
Dec 30, 2024 · 44 min
Ep. 108: Athlete Spotlight - Ava Goodin, Northwestern Soccer
In this athlete spotlight, John and Chris are joined by Ava Goodin. Ava currently plays soccer at Northwestern University and has been an ELP athlete for a little over two years. In this episode, Ava shares her soccer journey as well as how using the principles commonly discussed on this podcast helped prepare her for collegiate soccer.
#107
Dec 6, 2024 · 35 min
Ep. 107: Q & A - Movement Mechanics, Chaos Training, GOATA/EVO
In this weeks Q & A, John and Chris tackle: GOATA vs Movement: Back Chain Dominance in Sprinting Adding Load in Training GOATA & Evo Chaos Training *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

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