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Voodoo Power

Steven

Coach and athlete interviews. From local to international guests the show hosts many people who are revolutionizing the way we compete. It’s a platform to allow student and professional athletes along with the coaches to get their ideas out to a larger audience. The world of sports and how it’s viewed is always changing to listen as it happens helps the audience become a part of history in the making. The guest list is growing all the time as more people come on the show to help broadcast their thoughts

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  • 25 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 16 min
  • English

Episodes 25

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  • S10 · E2
    Friday · 1 hr 34 min

    Dean Matsche on Coaching, Track & Field, Strength & Athlete Development

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be a successful coach? In this episode of Voodoo Power, Steven Thompson sits down with Dean Matsche to talk about coaching, athlete development, track and field, strength training, competition, and the lessons that come from years of working with athletes. Dean shares his experience and perspective on developing athletes in shot put, discus, track and field, and strength and conditioning, while discussing the importance of building relationships, creating accountability, setting goals, and helping athletes become better both in and outside of sports. The conversation goes beyond sets, reps, numbers, and competition. We discuss coaching philosophy, athlete motivation, work ethic, consistency, team culture, youth sports, goal setting, and the responsibility coaches have to positively influence young athletes. Dean also shares his thoughts on the changing culture of youth sports and why coaches need to continue finding ways to make hard work, discipline, competition, and personal growth valuable to today’s athletes. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S10 · E1
    September 4 · 1 hr 10 min

    Steve Barrick | University of Indianapolis Strength & Conditioning

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to develop 350–400 collegiate athletes across 25 teams? In this episode of the Voodoo Power Podcast, Steven sits down with Steve Barrick, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance at the University of Indianapolis, to discuss strength and conditioning, athlete development, coaching philosophy, Olympic weightlifting, and velocity-based training. Steve Barrick has spent years developing athletes and building a strength and conditioning system that combines Olympic weightlifting, traditional strength training, power development, and velocity-based training (VBT). Steve shares his journey into coaching, including the moment he realized that pursuing a career simply for money wasn’t enough. He explains why passion for coaching, building relationships with athletes, and continually learning from other coaches have been central to his career. The conversation dives deep into how he manages a large collegiate strength and conditioning program while still addressing the individual needs of athletes. Topics covered in this episode include: • Strength and conditioning at the University of Indianapolis • Steve Barrick’s coaching philosophy and career journey • Training 350–400 athletes across approximately 25 teams • Velocity-Based Training (VBT) • Using VBT for squats, bench press, and clean pulls • Olympic weightlifting for athletic development • Teaching the clean and developing proper technique • High-bar Olympic back squats and front squats • Clean pulls and clean deadlifts • RDLs, reverse hypers, Nordics, and single-leg training • Eccentric, isometric, and concentric training • Periodization and adapting training to individual athletes • Bar speed and power development • Strength versus speed and explosiveness • Developing a coach’s eye while using technology and performance data • Building relationships with athletes • Creating a strong team culture and family atmosphere • Recruiting and retaining athletes at a private Division II university • The impact of the transfer portal on college athletics • Learning from other strength and conditioning coaches • Visiting other facilities and stealing good ideas • Adapting training systems to different athletes and sports Steve also discusses his evolution from powerlifting toward Olympic weightlifting and how that transition influenced the way he trains athletes today. One of the biggest themes of the conversation is adaptability. A successful strength and conditioning system isn’t about blindly copying another coach. It’s about understanding your athletes, identifying weaknesses, developing the qualities that matter for their sport, and continually improving the system. Steven and Steve also discuss a new idea for Voodoo Power: “On the Road with Voodoo Power.” The goal is to visit strength and conditioning facilities around the country—from garage gyms to universities—and highlight the coaches and athletes doing the work every day. If you’re interested in strength and conditioning, sports performance, Olympic lifting, velocity-based training, collegiate athletics, power development, or athlete development, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Voodoo Power for more conversations with strength coaches, athletes, and performance professionals from across the country. #VoodooPower #SteveBarrick #StrengthAndConditioning #UniversityOfIndianapolis #VelocityBasedTraining #VBT #OlympicWeightlifting #AthleteDevelopment #SportsPerformance #StrengthTraining #CollegeStrengthAndConditioning #D2Athletics #PowerDevelopment #StrengthCoach #OlympicLifting https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E24
    August 28 · 1 hr 14 min

    Fascia, Performance & Recovery with Morgan Rojas

    Send us Fan Mail What if the place that hurts isn’t actually where the problem starts? In this episode of the Voodoo Power Podcast, Steven sits down with Morgan Rojas, licensed massage therapist and founder of FindAligned, for a deep conversation on fascia and its role in athletic performance, recovery, movement, and injury. Morgan breaks down her approach to assessing fascia from a structural perspective and explains the difference between innate fascia and developed fascia. The conversation goes well beyond massage, covering how coaches and athletes can better understand the root causes behind movement limitations and recurring injuries. We discuss: • Fascia and athletic performance • Innate vs. developed fascia • Why treating the painful area may not solve the problem • IT band tightness and identifying the true source • Neural recruitment vs. traditional stretching • Preparing the nervous system for heavy lifting • Fascial restrictions and stress responses • Personality traits and athletic performance • Hypermobile athletes and muscle activation • Hamstring injuries and pelvic positioning • Cramping and discovering new muscle recruitment • Tempering and when it may be appropriate • Visual, palpation, symptom and movement assessments • Morgan’s five-pillar physiology framework • The difference between a fascial build and a muscle build This is a conversation for strength coaches, athletic trainers, therapists, and athletes who want to look beyond symptoms and better understand how the body actually responds to training and stress. 🎙️ Voodoo Power Podcast — Morgan Rojas | Fascia, Movement & Athletic Performance #VoodooPower #MorganRojas #Fascia #StrengthAndConditioning #AthleticPerformance #SportsPerformance #Recovery #StrengthTraining #Mobility #InjuryPrevention #MassageTherapy #PerformanceTraining #AthleteDevelopment #FasciaTraining #StrengthCoach https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E23
    August 21 · 1 hr 45 min

    Plates and Pancakes: Building Better Athletes at Norfolk Academy with Paul Carrezola & Rachel Lifson

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven sits down with Paul Carrezola and Rachel Lifson, Director and Associate Director of Athletic Performance at Norfolk Academy, where they oversee the development of more than 500 student-athletes. The conversation dives deep into their approach to athletic performance, including summer training, sprint mechanics, relative strength, front squats, split squats, sumo deadlifts, Olympic lifting derivatives, RSI testing, and in-season training. Paul and Rachel explain how they teach athletes to improve posture, hip drive, and sprint mechanics using drills, band resistance, and simple coaching cues. They also discuss why they prioritize technique and relative strength over simply chasing heavier numbers, particularly with developing athletes. Other topics include: • Building a three-day total-body summer program • Teaching sprint mechanics and hip projection • The “Pac-Man” cue for sprint posture • Front squats vs. back squats • Split squats and relative strength • Sumo deadlifts for athletic development • Olympic lifting derivatives • RSI and ground-contact testing • Identifying high-potential athletes • Training rowers and developing coordination • Poliquin-style tri-sets • Pin squats and in-season training • Game-day and “minus-one” lifts • Teaching complex movements to young athletes • Social media, coaching, and evaluating training information online A great conversation about building strong, fast, technically sound athletes while keeping training practical and transferable to the demands of sport. #PlatesAndPancakes #StrengthAndConditioning #AthleticPerformance #HighSchoolStrength #SportsPerformance #SprintTraining #StrengthTraining #SumoDeadlift #FrontSquat #AthleteDevelopment #NorfolkAcademy #SpeedTraining #SportsPerformanceCoach https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E22
    August 14 · 1 hr 17 min

    Building a Championship High School Strength Program | Riley Edgerton

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven sits down with Riley Edgerton, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Munster High School, for an in-depth conversation about building a successful high school strength and conditioning program from the ground up. Riley explains how he developed a comprehensive strength and conditioning manual, established a point-based grading system for athletes, and built a program that now serves hundreds of students. He shares his philosophy of “do it right, do it fast, then do it heavy” and explains how he uses that principle to teach movement, develop athleticism, and establish high standards in the weight room. The conversation also dives into Riley’s approach to youth athletic development, including summer camps and the Futures Program for middle school athletes. Riley discusses teaching fundamental movement patterns before progressing to more complex exercises, including his unique “sandwich method” for teaching the power clean. Steven and Riley also explore velocity-based training (VBT), auto-regulation, APRE, sprint mechanics, resisted sprinting, and the importance of using technology as a coaching tool rather than a replacement for the coach’s eye. Beyond programming, Riley shares how he is building the Mustang Mentality at Munster High School—developing leadership, accountability, work ethic, and a culture that extends beyond the weight room. They discuss athlete-driven leadership, incentives, competition, and how external rewards can eventually develop into internal motivation. This episode is a deep look at what it takes to build a sustainable high school strength and conditioning system—from program design and exercise selection to coaching, youth development, leadership, culture, and long-term athletic development. Topics Covered: * Building a high school strength & conditioning program from scratch * Creating a strength & conditioning manual * Point-based athlete grading systems * Youth athletic development * Futures Programs and summer camps * “Do it right, do it fast, then do it heavy” * Teaching the power clean * Riley’s “sandwich method” * Velocity-Based Training (VBT) * APRE and auto-regulation * Sprint mechanics and resisted sprinting * Athlete-driven leadership * Building a championship weight-room culture * External vs. internal motivation * Mustang Mentality * Testing and performance metrics * Long-term athletic development * Coaching hundreds of athletes effectively https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E21
    August 7 · 1 hr 38 min

    Sprint Faster: Jon Hersel’s High School Speed Training & Strength Conditioning System

    Send us Fan Mail How do you build faster, stronger, and more resilient high school athletes? In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven Thompson sits down with Jon Hersel, strength and conditioning coach and current NHSSCA Region 1 Southeast Strength Coach of the Year, to discuss the systems behind developing elite football players and multi-sport athletes. Jon shares his proven approach to dynamic warm-ups, sprint mechanics, acceleration development, and high school strength and conditioning programming. From menu-based warm-ups that improve athlete buy-in to heavy prowler sled progressions that teach proper body position, this episode is packed with practical coaching strategies that can be implemented immediately. Topics covered include: Dynamic warm-up design for football and multi-sport athletes Sprint mechanics, acceleration, and top-speed development Backward A-Skips, wall drills, and sprint isometrics Heavy sled training and prowler progressions for linemen and skill athletes Medicine ball throws for sprint preparation Building explosive athletes through proper body positioning Coaching high school football players year-round Speed testing and using timing systems for player evaluation Reducing injuries while improving athletic performance Training volleyball, softball, and other multi-sport athletes Integrating game-speed drills into football practice Developing athlete leadership and accountability Coaching within limited facilities and resources Whether you’re a strength coach, football coach, sports performance coach, personal trainer, PE teacher, or parent of a young athlete, this conversation provides actionable insights into creating faster, healthier, and more explosive athletes. If you enjoy conversations with some of the top minds in strength & conditioning, sports science, athletic performance, and coaching, be sure to subscribe, leave a like, and share this episode with another coach. Connect with Voodoo Power: ▶ Subscribe for weekly strength and conditioning conversations ▶ Follow for more coaching education, athlete development, and performance training content. #StrengthAndConditioning #SprintTraining #FootballTraining #SportsPerformance #Acceleration #SpeedTraining #HighSchoolFootball #AthleteDevelopment #StrengthCoach #ProwlerSled #SprintMechanics #SportsScience #FootballSpeed #PerformanceTraining #NHSSCA #Coaching #PlatesAndPancakes #VoodooPower #StevenThompson #JonHersel https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E20
    July 31 · 1 hr 28 min

    Ryder Weischedel on Sports Psychology, Strength & Conditioning, Mental Toughness, and Building Championship Athletes | Plates & Pancakes Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail Ryder Weischedel on Sports Psychology, Strength & Conditioning, Mental Toughness, and Building Championship Athletes | Plates & Pancakes Podcast What separates great athletes from everyone else? Is it strength, speed, talent… or something deeper? In this episode of the Plates & Pancakes Podcast, Steven Thompson sits down with Ryder Weischedel, Senior Director of Strength & Conditioning and Campus Wellness at the University of Jamestown and a 2026 Master Strength and Conditioning Coach (MSCC), to discuss the role of sports psychology, mental performance, strength training, and culture in developing successful athletes. Ryder shares his incredible coaching journey from growing up in a South Dakota rodeo family to coaching at Baylor, the University of Tulsa, Buena Vista University, and ultimately helping lead one of the nation’s most respected Division II strength and conditioning programs. Topics covered include: • Sports psychology and mental performance training • Building mentally tough athletes • Strength and conditioning philosophy • College strength coach career path • Athlete motivation and accountability • Nutrition strategies for athletic performance • Weight management for football linemen • GPS athlete monitoring technology • Vertical jump development • Strength coach leadership and culture • Training over 650 collegiate athletes • Division II athletics vs. NAIA athletics • Developing resilient athletes through controlled adversity • Coaching philosophy and athlete relationships • Lessons learned from rodeo and how they translate to athletics Ryder also breaks down his coaching philosophy: “Wings Crispy. Coffee Black. Chili Hot. Grits Guaranteed.” A mindset built around attention to detail, relentless effort, energy, accountability, and grit that has helped shape hundreds of collegiate athletes. Whether you’re a strength coach, athletic performance coach, football coach, sports psychologist, personal trainer, athlete, or sports science student, this episode is packed with practical coaching strategies you can immediately apply to your own program. If you enjoy conversations about strength & conditioning, sports performance, athlete development, leadership, coaching culture, sports psychology, football training, nutrition, and mental toughness, make sure to like, subscribe, and share the episode. #StrengthAndConditioning #SportsPsychology #MentalPerformance #AthleteDevelopment #StrengthCoach #CollegeFootball #FootballTraining #SportsPerformance #Leadership #SportsScience #Nutrition #MentalToughness #PerformanceTraining #PlatesAndPancakesPodcast #StevenThompson #RyderWeischedel https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E19
    July 24 · 1 hr 1 min

    Conjugate Training for Championship Softball | Michelle Diltz on Strength, Speed & Developing Elite Female Athletes

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to prepare one of the nation’s top softball programs to compete for a national championship? In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven Thompson sits down with Michelle Diltz, Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of Alabama, to discuss how she develops powerful, explosive female athletes using a conjugate-based training system. Michelle oversees Alabama Softball, Women’s Golf, and Cheer & Dance, sharing how she balances the unique demands of multiple sports while building athletes who are stronger, faster, more resilient, and ready to perform. The conversation explores the Conjugate Method, max effort, dynamic effort, and repeated effort training, why back squats remain a cornerstone for softball performance, monitoring pitcher readiness with jump testing and grip strength, and how isometric and eccentric training improve force absorption while reducing injury risk. Michelle also explains how she individualizes programming for injured athletes, collaborates with athletic trainers and dietitians, and manages training across multiple Division I programs. Whether you’re a strength coach, softball coach, athlete, or sports performance professional, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately to your own athletes. In This Episode: Conjugate Method for collegiate athletics Strength training for softball Speed and power development Female athlete performance Back squat programming Max effort & dynamic effort training Countermovement jump testing Grip strength monitoring Pitcher workload management Sprint mechanics Isometric & eccentric training Injury prevention Olympic lifting for cheer & dance NCAA strength & conditioning University of Alabama Softball Coaching leadership and athlete development If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Plates and Pancakes, leave a 5-star review, and share it with another coach, athlete, or parent looking to improve athletic performance. Keywords: Strength and Conditioning, Softball Strength Training, Conjugate Method, Sports Performance, Female Athlete Training, Alabama Softball, NCAA Softball, Explosive Power, Speed Training, Athlete Development, College Strength Coach, Pitching Performance, Olympic Lifting, Injury Prevention, Sports Science, Plates and Pancakes Podcast. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E18
    July 17 · 1 hr 5 min

    Jeremy Fischer on Building Explosive Athletes: Biomechanics, Sprint Speed & Jump Training

    Send us Fan Mail What separates elite jumpers from everyone else? According to legendary performance coach Jeremy Fisher, it isn’t just strength—it’s mastering movement. In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven sits down with one of the most respected coaches in track and field to discuss the biomechanics behind explosive performance. Jeremy breaks down why sprint mechanics, posture, hip position, and technical precision are the true foundations of speed and jumping ability, and how the weight room should enhance those qualities rather than replace them. The conversation dives into developing high school and collegiate athletes, the importance of teaching movement before loading strength, and why America continues to produce talented jumpers who struggle to transition into international medal contenders. Whether you’re a strength coach, track and field coach, sports performance coach, athlete, or parent, this episode is packed with practical coaching insights that can immediately improve athletic development. In this episode: * Sprint mechanics for explosive athletes * Long jump, high jump, and triple jump technique * Why biomechanics matter more than chasing bigger lifts * Developing speed through proper posture and hip position * Eccentric, isometric, and concentric training methods * Dynamic core stability for athletic performance * K-Box, VertiMax, and specialized performance training tools * Motor learning and skill acquisition * Building explosive power that transfers to sport * The future of American track and field development If you’re serious about speed training, vertical jump development, explosive power, athletic performance, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, sprint coaching, and track and field, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. 👍 Like the video if you enjoyed the conversation. 💬 Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the top minds in strength & conditioning, sports science, and athletic performance. #JeremyFisher #TrackAndField #StrengthAndConditioning #SportsPerformance #SprintTraining #JumpTraining #HighJump #LongJump #TripleJump #Biomechanics #ExplosivePower #VerticalJump #SpeedTraining #AthleteDevelopment #PerformanceCoach #SportsScience #PlatesAndPancakesPodcast #StevenThompson https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E17
    July 10 · 1 hr 11 min

    Training Athletes for Speed, Power & Performance with Brandon Davis

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, I sit down with Coach Brandon Davis, Head Performance Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Southwest Florida Christian Academy. Brandon brings a unique blend of sport science, coaching, and administration experience to the conversation as we dive into the methods and philosophies that are driving athletic development in his program. (Listen Notes) We discuss the role of Olympic lifts in high school strength programs, why Brandon has evolved his thinking on certain training methods, and how tools like altitude drops, loaded jumps, and resisted sprinting can improve explosiveness and vertical jump performance. We also cover the importance of rate of force development, eccentric strength, curvilinear running, and the practical realities of training athletes when time, equipment, and schedules are limited. (Amazon Music) Throughout the conversation, Brandon emphasizes adaptability over dogma, sharing how data, athlete response, and real-world coaching experience have shaped his programming decisions. Whether you’re a strength coach, sport coach, or athlete looking to improve performance, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply immediately. Topics include: • Olympic lifts and athletic transfer • Altitude drops and landing mechanics • Vertical jump development • Rate of force development • Eccentric training strategies • Curvilinear running • Sport science in the high school setting • Training adaptation and program design • Technology in athlete development • Coaching lessons from the weight room Coach Davis brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach while never losing sight of what matters most—getting athletes better. This is a conversation full of ideas that will challenge your thinking and help you become a more effective coach. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E16
    July 3 · 1 hr 28 min

    Dan John on Anti-Rotation Training, Athletic Tension, and Building Better Athletes

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven Thompson sits down with legendary strength coach, author, educator, and former Olympic-level discus thrower Dan John to discuss decades of experience in strength training, athletic performance, and coaching development. Dan John shares the story behind his discovery of anti-rotation training for rotational athletes and why movements like the one-arm bench press, suitcase deadlift, suitcase carry, and loaded carries became foundational tools for improving performance in throwing athletes. The conversation dives deep into the concepts of linkage vs leakage, creating proper athletic tension, and how athletes can learn to produce force without losing energy through inefficient movement. Dan explains how isometric training can help athletes build better positions, improve technique, and develop a stronger connection between the weight room and sport performance. Steven and Dan discuss: * Anti-rotation exercises for baseball, softball, discus, shot put, and rotational athletes * Strength training principles that transfer to athletic performance * Finding the correct tension level for speed, power, and explosiveness * Why simplicity often beats complexity in strength and conditioning * The importance of coaching fundamentals: sleep, nutrition, consistency, and measurable progress * How Dan approaches training, aging, walking, kettlebells, loaded carries, and staying competitive at 68 years old * Lessons from decades of coaching athletes and developing practical training systems Dan John has influenced generations of coaches through his books including Easy Strength, Intervention, and other works on strength and conditioning, and his philosophy continues to shape how coaches think about training athletes. Whether you are a strength coach, sports performance coach, athlete, football coach, baseball coach, thrower, or someone looking to improve your training, this episode is packed with practical lessons from one of the most respected voices in the industry. Subscribe to Plates and Pancakes for more conversations with the coaches, athletes, and educators shaping the future of strength and conditioning. #DanJohn #StrengthAndConditioning #SportsPerformance #AthleticTraining #StrengthTraining #Coaching #Discusthrow #ShotPut #AntiRotation #LoadedCarries #KettlebellTraining #VoodooPower #PlatesAndPancakes https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E15
    June 26 · 1 hr 28 min

    Box Squats, BMT, and Athlete Buy-In with Coach Cade Oller

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Steven sits down with Coach Cade Oller, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Choctaw High School in Oklahoma City, to discuss the training philosophies and coaching principles that have helped build a successful athletic culture. The conversation dives deep into Coach Oller’s implementation of Brief Maximal Tension (BMT) training within a conjugate framework, including how his athletes utilize box squats, bench press variations, deadlifts, and APRE methods to drive consistent strength gains. Coach Oller shares practical insights on why box squats became a cornerstone of his program, how he addresses posterior chain weaknesses, and the adaptations required when coaching athletes of different sizes and abilities. Beyond sets and reps, Steven and Coach Oller explore the human side of coaching. They discuss building positive team culture through individual conversations rather than public criticism, helping athletes navigate setbacks and pressure, and creating an environment where accountability comes from both coaches and athlete leaders. Coach Oller also shares how reorganizing Choctaw’s weight room schedule into flexible before- and after-school sessions dramatically improved athlete participation and coach collaboration. Additional topics include: • BMT and APRE programming • Box squat coaching and technical development • Strength transfer to speed and athletic performance • Leadership development within teams • Managing multi-sport athlete schedules • Consistency as the foundation of long-term success • Hip projection and movement efficiency • The role of culture in strength and conditioning success Whether you’re a strength coach, sport coach, athlete, or parent, this episode offers valuable lessons on adapting training systems to fit your population, developing athlete buy-in, and creating a culture where performance and personal growth go hand in hand. Tune in for a conversation that blends practical programming, coaching wisdom, and real-world solutions from one of Oklahoma’s leading high school strength coaches. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E14
    June 19 · 1 hr 12 min

    Michael Fahey on Strength, Sprinting, and Building Faster Athletes Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of this conversation, Steven and Michael Fahey dive deeper into the principles that separate good athletes from elite performers. Building on the foundation established in Part 1, the discussion shifts toward advanced strength training methods, velocity-based training (VBT), force production, and the role specialty exercises play in long-term athletic development. Michael explains why acceleration remains one of the greatest opportunities for athletic improvement and how strength development drives performance gains across nearly every sport. The conversation explores board presses, deep box squats, time-to-peak velocity training, and how athletes can use specific exercises to build confidence, overcome sticking points, and improve force application. Steven and Michael also discuss the relationship between strength and coordination, why sprinting doesn’t directly make athletes stronger, and how athletes must eventually learn to express newfound strength through technical mastery. They examine force plate data, contact times, eccentric strength, and the practical application of velocity-based training metrics for coaches working with athletes at every level. The episode concludes with a discussion on coaching philosophy, social media debates within the strength and conditioning profession, and the importance of finding training methods that create lasting athletic advantages. Topics Covered: • Velocity-Based Training (VBT) • Peak Velocity vs Average Velocity • Time to Peak Velocity (TPV) • Board Press Training • Deep Box Squats • Acceleration Development • Force Production and Ground Contact Times • Strength vs Coordination • Special Strength Exercises • Sprint Performance • Eccentric Strength • Force Plate Analysis • Athletic Development • Coaching Philosophy • Performance Training Systems • Long-Term Athlete Development • Strength and Conditioning • Sports Performance If you’re interested in speed development, force production, velocity-based training, or building stronger and more explosive athletes, this episode delivers practical insights from one of the most thought-provoking minds in performance training. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E13
    June 12 · 1 hr 21 min

    Michael Fahey on Strength, Sprinting, and Building Faster Athletes Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Can athletes get significantly faster without spending more time sprinting? In Part 1 of this conversation, Steven sits down with Michael to explore the relationship between strength development, sprint performance, and athletic coordination. Michael breaks down how exercises such as sled drags, belted marches, deep box squats, and specialty movements can improve running mechanics by developing strength where athletes need it most. The discussion dives into posture, hip position, shin splints, foot and ankle strength, and why relative strength plays a critical role in maintaining efficient movement patterns during competition. They also challenge traditional conditioning models, examining how strength-based approaches can replace excessive road work while improving performance and reducing wear and tear. Steven and Michael further explore the transfer of strength to speed, the development of acceleration, and why many successful distance runners begin as speed-based athletes. Along the way, they discuss athlete development, wrestling preparation, and how exposing athletes to challenging training environments can improve resilience and decision-making under pressure. Topics Covered: • Strength training for sprint performance • Belted marches, sled drags, and below-knee development • Posture and hip position during running • Reducing shin splints and overuse injuries • Sprint-to-distance athlete transitions • Wrestling preparation and conditioning • Fight-or-flight states in athletic performance • Building acceleration through strength development • Deep box squats and force production • Developing resilient, adaptable athletes Whether you’re a sprint coach, strength coach, track athlete, or simply interested in performance development, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how strength drives speed. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E12
    June 5 · 1 hr 16 min

    Technique Over Programming: Lessons from Jay Floyd

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Steven sits down with veteran strength and conditioning coach Jay Floyd, currently of Taylor County High School, to discuss what it really takes to build a championship-level athletic program. Drawing from years of experience developing athletes and leading successful programs, Floyd shares why simplicity, consistency, and technical coaching remain the foundation of long-term success. The conversation explores the often-overlooked factors that drive results in the weight room, including athlete buy-in, program culture, coaching presence, and mastering the fundamentals before chasing complexity. Floyd explains why technique matters more than programming, how he structures training for high school athletes, and why many coaches underestimate the value of doing basic things exceptionally well. Steven and Jay also dive into power development, the role of heavy lifting in athletic performance, misconceptions surrounding powerlifting, and why trap bar variations have become a staple in Floyd’s coaching philosophy. They discuss matching training methods to individual body types and leverages, developing speed through simple and repeatable drills, and how coaches can better individualize programs without overcomplicating the process. The episode also covers Floyd’s personal training journey after 40, including nutritional changes, recovery strategies, maintaining velocity with age, and the adjustments necessary to continue performing at a high level. Whether you’re a strength coach, sport coach, athlete, or parent, this episode offers practical insights into building stronger athletes, developing sustainable training systems, and creating an environment where athletes can thrive. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E11
    May 29 · 1 hr 10 min

    Evolving Conjugate for Modern Athletes with Monte Sparkman part 2

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2, Steven Thompson and Monte Sparkman continue their conversation by diving into game-day lifts, confidence building, reversal strength, sprint performance, and the relationship between strength training and athletic transfer. Monte breaks down his non-negotiable training pillars: * Total body strength training * Maximal sprinting * Maximal jumping * Full-range movement quality * Recovery-focused weekly structure The conversation covers: * Why Monte prefers a 3-day training model * The benefits of game-day lifts for confidence and emotional readiness * Reverse grip benching, elbow health, and increasing pressing volume * Sprinting under fatigue versus sprinting for PRs * Reversal strength and eccentric-to-concentric transfer * Triple broad jumps and repeated sprint testing for work capacity * How coaches can balance movement training with weight room development * Building relationships with athletes to know when to push and when to pull back Steven and Monte also discuss how confidence is built through measurable success in training, why athletes need exposure to challenging environments, and how strength training should ultimately support movement efficiency and sport performance. This episode blends practical programming strategies with high-level discussion on athletic development, coaching philosophy, and creating resilient competitors. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E10
    May 22 · 1 hr 10 min

    Evolving Conjugate for Modern Athletes with Monte Sparkman part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Steven Thompson sits down with veteran strength and conditioning coach Monte Sparkman for a deep discussion on training philosophy, movement-based programming, and the evolution of the conjugate method for athletes. Monte explains why he shifted away from rigid powerlifting-based templates and toward movement-specific approaches built around sprinting, jumping, trap bar work, split squats, and total-body development. The conversation explores how coaches can adapt conjugate principles without becoming trapped by tradition, while still maintaining the intent of max effort, dynamic effort, and repetition work. The two also dive into: * Why broad jumps, vertical jumps, and sprint metrics matter more than squat numbers for many athletes * The importance of having a coaching filter in the social media era * How skill athletes require different training considerations than linemen * The role of cultural, economic, and environmental factors in athlete development * Managing stress and expectations in the weight room * Why consistency matters more than rigid programming Monte shares years of experience coaching high school athletes and explains how adaptable systems—not dogmatic methods—create better long-term athletic development. This episode is packed with practical coaching insight for strength coaches, sport coaches, and anyone trying to bridge the gap between the weight room and on-field performance. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E9
    May 15 · 1 hr 16 min

    Building Better Athletes: Nick Crouse on, VBT, and High School Strength Culture

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Voodoo Power Podcast, Steven Thompson sits down with Platteview High School strength and performance coach Nick Crouse to talk long-term athlete development, high school strength culture, and building better athletes from the ground up. Nick shares his journey from Northwest Missouri State baseball to earning his master’s degree in Human Performance and Wellness Management, while discussing how those experiences shaped his philosophy on coaching young athletes. The conversation dives deep into the Nebraska Strength Coaches Organization, hosting elite clinics, and the realities of coaching in a small school environment. Steven and Nick break down the 1x20 method, APRE programming, velocity-based training, modified tier systems, and practical ways to manage large groups of athletes while still individualizing training. They also discuss Olympic lift alternatives, readiness testing, teenage athlete recovery, and why foundational strength and movement quality still matter more than chasing trends on social media. This episode is packed with practical coaching insight for strength coaches, PE teachers, and anyone invested in developing athletes the right way. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E8
    May 8 · 1 hr 10 min

    Reverse Engineering Performance with Mike Niklos

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven sits down with Mike Niklos to unpack what it really means to coach movement, not just lifts. Mike breaks down his philosophy of reverse engineering performance—starting with the end goal and building athletes backward from there. The conversation dives into how great coaches identify deficits using KPIs, why technique should be a byproduct of intent, and how to balance precision with real-world application across high school, college, and pro athletes. They also get into the realities of coaching in today’s environment: managing multi-sport athletes, developing resilience in high-pressure systems, and teaching athletes how to handle failure without losing confidence. Mike shares how communication—not just programming—is often the difference-maker in long-term development. The episode closes with a raw discussion on injury, accountability, and the often-blurred lines between strength coaches, sport coaches, and medical staff—highlighted by a real-world javelin case that raises tough but necessary questions. If you want to connect data, movement, and real performance—this episode delivers. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

  • S9 · E7
    May 1 · 1 hr 1 min

    More Than the Game: Identity, Confidence, and Life After Sport with Toby Brooks

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven Thompson sits down with Dr. Toby Brooks, Director of the Academy for Teaching and Learning at Baylor University, to unpack one of the most overlooked aspects of athlete development—identity beyond sport. Dr. Brooks brings a unique blend of experience in athletic training, sports psychology, and mental performance to the conversation, diving deep into what happens when the game is taken away. From career-ending injuries to graduation and the realities of the transfer portal and NIL era, this episode explores how athletes can navigate identity loss, self-doubt, and the pressure of performance-driven environments. Drawing on lessons from legendary coach Dick Tomey and real-life experiences with his son’s baseball journey, Dr. Brooks breaks down what it means to build resilient, self-aware athletes. He emphasizes the importance of separating self-worth from performance, developing controllable goals, and creating team cultures where athletes feel seen, valued, and supported. The discussion also tackles: * Why athletes struggle with transition after sport * The role of confidence and “The Confidence Gap” in performance * How NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping team dynamics * Coaching strategies that prioritize long-term development over short-term wins * Building a love for movement that lasts beyond competition This episode is a must-listen for coaches, athletes, and anyone invested in developing not just better performers—but better people. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593 https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://voodoo4ranch.com/ To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.com https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

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