MTB Performance Project

In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, host Mickey Bruckner sits down with performance physical therapist Mike Reinhardt to explore the intersection of rehab and athletic performance. Mike shares his journey from strength training enthusiast to PT, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between clinical rehab and sport-specific training. He discusses collaborative strategies for PTs and strength coaches, data-driven KPIs (like limb symmetry and force plates), and the pitfalls of overtraining or undertraining athletes.  Mike also shares his passion for mentorship through his unique performance programs. Whether you're rehabbing injuries or optimizing performance, this episode is full of insights on athlete development, mindset shifts, and the future of performance therapy. Follow Mike on Instagram (@drmike_reinhardt) and subscribe to the MTB podcast for more.

In this episode, host Mickey Bruckner interviews Chris Guarin, a performance coach and founder of Guarin Posture Performance in California. Chris shares his journey into strength and conditioning, sparked by a love for sports and shaped through personal injuries. Over time, his work expanded from athletic performance to a specialized focus on posture and movement. The conversation highlights Chris's commitment to continuous learning and his belief in the power of context, in both coaching and life. His story offers valuable takeaways for young coaches: stay curious, build strong relationships, and keep showing up.

In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, Bobby Whyte shares his powerful journey from a self-doubting college athlete battling addiction to a respected coach and founder of Good Drills. He discusses how hitting rock bottom led him to rediscover purpose through service and sport, and how that transformation now shapes everything he does—on and off the court. Bobby breaks down his coaching philosophy rooted in honesty, environment, and athlete development over gimmicks or hype. He also talks about launching Good Drills, growing an online business, and how leaning into discomfort became his biggest growth driver. It's a candid, motivating conversation about building something meaningful—and becoming someone you're proud of.

Sean Smith joins the podcast to break down what it really means to coach with purpose. With experience spanning NCAA Division I athletics and IndyCar, Sean emphasizes the importance of meeting athletes where they are, building real relationships, and coaching with intention. He dives into how to maximize limited off-seasons, why in-season training is essential, and how he uses force plate data and athlete feedback to build smarter, more responsive programs. Whether you're in the weight room or working remotely, Sean's insights highlight how clarity, communication, and context shape long-term success.

In this episode, Danny Foley—founder of Rude Rock Strength and coach with Altis—shares his evolving approach to performance training. He walks us through his journey from traditional strength and conditioning to a more integrated model that blends injury rehab, performance optimization, and fascial-based training. Danny reflects on how his time working with Navy SEALs at VHP shaped his current philosophy and makes the case for closing the gap between strength and therapy to better serve athletes. From NFL combine prep to fascia-informed loading, this conversation is packed with insights on staying relevant, effective, and impactful as a coach.

Ever wonder what it really takes to turn a passion for coaching into a leadership role at a top-tier training facility? In this episode, John O'Neill—co-owner of Cressey Sports Performance—shares his evolution from a young coach to a strategic leader shaping athlete development and company culture. You'll hear how mentorship, mindset shifts, and mastering every role from intern to executive helped John build a sustainable career in sports performance. He unpacks the realities of youth athletics, the business behind great training environments, and why empathy and leadership matter just as much as programming. A must-listen for anyone chasing longevity and impact in the fitness or coaching world.

Andy McCloy's path in strength and conditioning is a masterclass in turning obstacles into opportunity. In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, he shares how his passion for training led him from personal struggles to building BCI Sports Performance, a thriving facility in Alabama. Andy emphasizes the importance of clarity, ego management, and continuous learning in both coaching and business. He dives into the realities of running a gym, debunking the myth of overnight success and stressing the need for long-term vision, strong leadership, and a well-defined philosophy. Now, through Built to Last Gym, his mentorship venture with Luka Hocevar, he's helping other gym owners navigate the challenges of building sustainable, impactful businesses. Whether it's training athletes, developing coaches, or scaling a gym, Andy's philosophy is clear: know your why, commit to mastery, and never stop evolving.

Jamie Pasquin's journey in strength and conditioning is all about growth, adaptability, and impact. In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, he shares how his passion for improving as an athlete led him to coaching, from high school sports to working with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead of chasing big-name jobs, Jamie focused on learning from the best and finding the most cutting-edge training environments. Now at Varsity House, he's applying his experience to help athletes at all levels while learning the business side of coaching. He breaks down the key lessons from his career, the importance of building relationships, and why success isn't about titles—it's about constant learning and making a difference.

In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, Mickey sits down with Joe Riggio, co-founder of Varsity House and Business of Strength. Joe share his evolution from being a passionate strength coach to mastering the business side of fitness, emphasizing the critical shift from coach to entrepreneur. He discusses the hard lessons learned—like the importance of marketing, financial management, and leadership—while growing a thriving fitness business. From nearly going out of business twice to scaling multiple locations, Joe provides invaluable insights on transitioning from the gym floor to the boardroom. Whether you're a gym owner, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice on navigating the challenges of business growth while staying true to your mission.

In this episode of The MTB Performance Project, we welcome renowned speed and agility coach Lee Taft. Lee shares his journey from physical education teacher to one of the most respected figures in athletic development. We discuss the importance of multi-sport participation, the pitfalls of early specialization, and how to create environments that foster athleticism, problem-solving, and long-term success. Lee also explains his coaching philosophy, emphasizing guided discovery, competition, and skill acquisition through play. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this conversation will challenge the way you think about training and inspire you to develop athletes who are not only faster and stronger—but also more resilient, adaptable, and passionate.  

In this episode of The MTB Performance Project, we sit down with Tim Riley, Director of Sports Performance at Collective and co-host of the Coach Them Up podcast. Tim shares his unconventional path from high school dropout to training elite athletes, highlighting the importance of mentorship, coaching experience, and continuous learning. He explains his training philosophy, emphasizing individualization, movement quality, and athlete feedback. Tim also discusses how personal growth, mindset, and self-awareness have shaped his coaching career. Tune in for valuable insights on building a career in performance training and what's next for Tim, including his upcoming projects and seminars.  

Summary   Dr. Brad DeWeese, a high performance director, discusses the importance of collaboration and communication in player development. He emphasizes the need for a unifying language among different roles and disciplines in sports. Brad shares his diverse career path and the value of delayed gratification in professional growth. He also highlights the role of technology in providing objective data for informed decision-making. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of building a culture of communication, respect, and love within a team. Brad discusses the evolution of load monitoring and advancements in technology in the field of sports science. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the human body and not over-relying on technology. Dr. DeWeese also highlights the role of high performance departments in educating and collaborating with the entire organization. He advises coaches with limited resources to focus on the basics of sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Overall, Dr. DeWeese encourages a proactive and thoughtful approach to training and workload management.   Takeaways Collaboration and communication are crucial in player development, allowing different roles and disciplines to work together effectively. Delayed gratification and versatility are important in professional growth, allowing individuals to gain diverse experiences and skills. Technology provides valuable data for informed decision-making in player development, but it should be used in conjunction with the art of coaching. Building a culture of communication, respect, and love within a team fosters a positive work environment and enhances productivity. Understand the evolution of load monitoring and the advancements in technology in sports science. Avoid over-reliance on technology and prioritize understanding the human body and its responses to training. High performance departments should educate and collaborate with the entire organization to ensure alignment and success. Focus on the basics of sleep, hydration, and nutrition, even with limited resources. Take a proactive and thoughtful approach to training and workload management. Keep up with Brad on INSTAGRAM I hope you enjoy the episode ! Best,  MTB

Explore the importance of in-season training for baseball players with Damien Akins and I as we discuss key strategies for transitioning smoothly from off-season to in-season training. Discover how maintaining progress throughout the season not only enhances performance but also prevents injuries, ensuring long-term development. Learn valuable insights on measuring readiness, managing intensity, and utilizing exercises to reduce soreness and nervous system stress during the season. This podcast highlights the necessity of in-season training for injury prevention and ensuring peak performance longevity in athletes. Key Takeaways : In-season training is crucial for athletes to maintain progress and reap the benefits of long-term development.  Measuring readiness and managing intensity are key factors in optimizing performance during the season. Communication with coaches and utilizing tools like wearables can help athletes make informed decisions about training intensity. Choosing exercises that mitigate soreness and nervous system stress can help athletes maintain performance and reduce the risk of injury during the season. Want to learn nmore about how to work with us in season ? Check out our website : www.annexsportsperformance.com or email us :  info@annexsportsperformance.com  

Enhancing Mental Performance with Dr. Adam Wright In this podcast episode, Dr. Adam Wright delves into the crucial role of mental performance in achieving peak results, shedding light on the pivotal interplay between physical and mental aspects. He advocates the transition from mere mental toughness to antifragility, emphasizing the importance of equipping individuals with the skills to navigate chaos, uncertainty, and setbacks. Dr. Wright underlines the significance of fostering a supportive culture that prioritizes mental health within the realm of sports, while also presenting actionable strategies for cultivating mental resilience. These include honing awareness, boosting motivation, and engaging in psychological skills training. Furthermore, the discussion explores the traits and challenges of high achievers, debunking common pitfalls such as perfectionism, fear of failure, and reliance on external motivation. The conversation also probes into the influence of contemporary culture and technology on the mental grit of young individuals, particularly athletes, and advocates for the imparting of media literacy skills and the fostering of genuine connections to counteract the adverse impacts of social media. Moreover, the spotlight is placed on the cultivation of resilience and the teaching of delayed gratification, crucial for the holistic development of aspiring athletes. An innovative concept introduced is that of anti-fragility, urging intentional growth and the embracement of stress and setbacks as avenues for advancement. For those seeking comprehensive mental performance training, The Antifragile Academy, a valuable resource curated for athletes and individuals, is highlighted. Key Takeaways : Mental performance and physical performance are equally vital for optimal results. Transitioning to antifragility necessitates honing skills to confront chaos, uncertainty, and setbacks. Cultivating a supportive culture is paramount for mental well-being in sports. Building mental resilience involves tools such as awareness, motivation, and psychological skills training. Traits of high achievers include self-awareness, clarity in goals, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset. Addressing pitfalls like perfectionism and fear of failure is pivotal for sustained excellence. Impact of modern culture and technology on young individuals' mental resilience. Emphasizing the cultivation of resilience and delayed gratification for young athletes. Advocating for early psychological skills training and a focus on effort rather than outcomes. Embracing anti-fragility and viewing stress and setbacks as growth opportunities. For further information and collaboration opportunities with Dr. Adam Wright, visit: Website: https://www.dradamwright.com/ The Anti-Fragile Academy: https://www.theantifragileacademy.com/  

Welcome to another exciting episode of the MTB Performance Project, where high-performance athletes share their stories and insights. In Episode 14, we're treated to an exclusive interview with my friend and former big league pitcher, Rick Porcello. Let's delve into the highlights and revelations from this conversation. Multi-Sport Exposure and Youthful Development: Porcello's journey kicks off with a discussion about his exposure to multiple sports at a young age. The podcast explores how this diverse background shaped his skills and contributed to his development as a youth ball player. For aspiring athletes, Porcello's early experiences provide valuable insights into the importance of a well-rounded foundation. From High School to the MLB Draft: Listeners get an inside look at the critical decision Porcello faced when opting to forgo college and enter the 2007 MLB draft. The episode highlights the factors that influenced this bold move and delves into the mindset that propelled Porcello from high school to professional baseball in just two short years. 12 Years in the Big Leagues - Building Year Over Year: The conversation transitions to Porcello's impressive 12-year career in the Major Leagues. He shares the intricacies of his development, offering a glimpse into both the physical and mental aspects of the game. This section provides a roadmap for athletes aspiring to achieve consistent growth and success over an extended professional career. Teammate and Competitor Insights: Porcello opens up about his role as both a teammate and a competitor. Listeners gain valuable insights into his approach as a starting pitcher and the meticulous mindset he adopted to hone his craft. Aspiring pitchers and baseball enthusiasts will find this segment particularly enlightening, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a professional athlete striving for excellence. Life Beyond the Diamond: Managing Distractions: In a candid discussion, Porcello shares details about his life off the field and the strategies he employed to manage distractions. This segment serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking tips on focus and discipline in their personal and professional lives. The MTB Performance Project's Episode 14 featuring Rick Porcello is a must-listen for sports enthusiasts, aspiring athletes, and anyone seeking inspiration from the world of professional baseball. The podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of Porcello's journey – from his early exposure to sports, the pivotal decision to enter the MLB draft, to his sustained success in the Major Leagues. Tune in for a front-row seat to the secrets of MLB success and the mindset that sets elite athletes like Rick Porcello apart. I hope you enjoy this episode! Best,  MTB

In this week's episode we talk with my friend and co-founder of Resilient Performance Physical Therapy,  Dr Trevor Rappa.  In today's talk, we dive deep into his return-to-play approach for ACL injuries, how he utilizes objective and subjective measures to track progress and drive decisions in the rehabilitation process.  We also get into how important the later part of the return-to-play process is in getting athletes ready for the field. Most importantly creating scenarios where we are adequately stressing our athletes and preparing them for the demands of the sport both in the rehabilitation process and performance and development.  If you're a Physical Therapist or a strength coach, you will get a ton out of my discussion with Trevor.  I hope you enjoy this episode of the MTB Performance Project.  Best, MTB Want to work with Resilient?  Website: https://www.resilientperformance.com/ Online Learning Course: https://edu.resilientperformance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientppt/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@resilientppt  

Super excited  about this week's episode with Dr Mike T Nelson.  Mike is a research-fueled fitness and nutrition educator, a Professor, a presenter, creator of the Flex Diet Certification Course and host of the Flex Diet podcast. We covered a bunch of topics on today's podcast from macronutrient consumption and simplifying nutrition for performance, recommendations for supplements to optimizing sleep schedules for professional athletes who compete at later parts of the day. Lastly Mike discusses his approach to cold water immersion and give some context behind the how and the why he utilizes these modalities with his athletes.  So much great information from today's talk whether you're an athlete or someone looking to create health and longevity into your life.   I hope you enjoy this episode of the MTB Performance Project.  Best, MTB  If you want to learn more about Dr Mike T Nelson you can visit his website : miketnelson.com Please consider listening to his podcast : Flex Diet Podcast Follow Dr. Mike on Instagram : drmiketnelson

In this week's Episode we have Sean K Jensen. Sean is a former NFL reporter, children's book author, youth sports coach and host of the “Winning is Not Everything” podcast.  Sean's podcast aims to bring sanity back to youth sports by having meaningful conversations around character development, effort and sportsmanship rather than trophies, rankings and all the other negative things that have come with overspecialization in youth sports! In our discussion we talk about his experiences in youth sports, how it shaped his childhood and help create a career for him as an adult. We also get into what he sees the biggest value coaches can and should bring to their athletes. Along with all the great aspects of youth sports, we get into some of the challenges we are faced with in our current youth sports climate.  It was a great talk with Sean and I gained some perspective from his years of covering sports at the highest level to his experiences as a coach.  I hope you enjoy this episode of the MTB Performance Project! If you want to learn more about Sean and his work, please visit his website : seankjensen.com You can listen to his podcast on apple podcasts here : Winning is Not Everything Podcast Best, MTB  

In this week's episode we talk with Ryan Patrick. Ryan is the owner and founder of Peak Fitness and Sports Training (PeakFAST) in Kentucky.  In this episode we talk about how he got into the training space and became a coach. We also get into his evolution as a business owner along with some of the influences and mentors he had throughout his early year of owning and operating a gym.  We talk about sports performance and all things speed, VBT and his overall approach to developing training programs for his athletes.  We wrap up by talking about his own approach to training himself and why it's so important to him in order to level up in all aspects of life. As he calls it: “Fitness is the first domino…” If you want to find out more about Ryan and his facility to can follow them here: Ryan Patrick Instagram: coachryanpatrick PeakFAST Instagram: peakfast I hope you enjoy this episode of the MTB Performance Project! Best, MTB  

In this week's episode we have a deep dive into proper elements of an effective arm care program.  The goal of this episode is to create a framework for how to address and implement effective arm care into the overall performance program for overhead throwing athletes.  Understanding the importance of quality movement strategies and efficient biomechanics and how that carries over into arm health and longevity in the development of pitchers, quarterbacks and other throwing athletes.  We also get into the implementation of these programs based on the timing of competition and a good arm care program is about understanding the nuances of managing the stress on the arm throughout different parts of the year.  We hope you enjoyed this podcast and were able to glean positive information from the material which you can implement into your own training program.  If you have any questions please reach out on instagram at @mickbrueckner Best, MTB

In this week's episode, we talk with former NFL running back, Rashad Jennings.  We get into his experience as an athlete and his evolution from hs to college and ultimately professional football and the driving force behind his rise as a Running back.  After his career in the NFL, Rashad won Dancing with the Stars in 2017. We get into how that came to fruition and what his main goal was in pursuing this opportunity.  Rashad is someone who has always prioritized health and fitness as an athlete, we discuss how he still maintains this focus in his current day to day life.  I really enjoyed my conversation with Rashaad. His experiences and stories are inspiring and his insights were thought provoking. He empowers people to constantly find the purpose and premise behind how and why they do things both in his words and actions.  If you want to follow what Rashad is doing, you can visit his website: rashadjennings.com Follow Rashad on Instagram : @rashadjennings Follow Rashad on X : @RashadJennings I hope you enjoy this episode with Rashaad Jennings -MTB

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT | MAX BURT In this week's episode, we speak with Max Burt. Max is an infielder with the New York Yankees organization with his most recent year spent between AA and AAA affiliates.  Max talks about his story as a young ball player and his evolution to professional baseball. We also speak about how his approach from both the physical and mental side of the game has allowed to continue to develop as his career progresses.  There is a lot of great value in this for our aspiring amateur athletes who are looking to pursue a career in sports.  I hope you enjoy this week's episode! Best,  MTB

This week we have Co-Founder of Resilient Performance Physical Therapy, Dr Greg Spatz. Greg Spatz is a performance-based physical therapist who recognizes the continuum of rehabilitation to sports performance. With a comprehensive approach to optimizing movement he helps address the underlying biomechanical and neurophysiological patterns that contribute to injury or performance goals. Formerly as a Strength & Conditioning Coach in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, Greg worked to improve athletic performance while minimizing injury risk with professional baseball players. Greg received his BS in Health & Exercise Science from The College of New Jersey where he was a member of the baseball team. He earned the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Columbia University, is Postural Restoration Certified, and has advanced training in joint and soft tissue manipulation, movement screening, sports medicine, dry needling, and manual therapy. In our discussion today we discuss elbow injuries in the baseball population. We dive into everything from our holistic approach to reducing injury risk to post-surgical return to play protocols.  Want to work with Resilient?  Website: https://www.resilientperformance.com/ Online Learning Course: https://edu.resilientperformance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientppt/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@resilientppt Thanks so much for your time and tuning into the show! Best, MTB  

This week on the MTB Performance Project we have my friend and founder of Total Arm Care, Tom Drown. Tom and I have been working together with several of our athletes for over three years now and has done an awesome job with developing his pitchers.   We discuss the subjective side of coaching vs the objective, more technology driven side of pitching development and how he blends the two approaches together in his coaching process. Equally as important, we stress the importance of developing a year-long plan and managing load and throwing volume over the course of the year.  If you are interested in finding more about Tom and his training at Total Arm Care, you can find him on instgram: @totalarmcare or his website: https://www.totalarmcare.com/ Thanks so much for your time and tuning into the show! Best,  MTB Episode time stamps: 1:10 - I talk about how Tom and I got started working together 2:26 - Tom goes into his background and how he got into his role as a pitching coach 8:07 - Optimal pitching mechanics and the delivery  11:58 - Tom's assessment process for his pitcher 17:55 - How technology is influencing coaching decisions 27:23 - The art of coaching and blending coaching and technology  32:27 - Integrating 3D Motion Capture into the development process 37:23 - Managing workloads and throwing volume throughout the year 42:14 - Thoughts on velocity development vs your typical “Velocity program” 45:47 - Holistic approach to development and playing the long game  

This week on the MTB Performance Project we have my friend James Cerbie.  James is the founder of Rebel Performance and is the creator of The Silverback project. I have worked with James since 2019 and respect him as a coach and how he runs his business. Along with being a super smart and analytical coach, he's an overall solid guy in the training world and I am happy to call him a friend.  After a decade of helping people through his company Rebel Performance, he is reinventing his business to serve entrepreneur dads and other men in the pursuit of health, fitness, vitality and a life they can be proud of. The result of years of work and training has now resulted into what James calls: Total Man OS.  If you are interested in finding more about James and his training, you can find him on instgram: @thejamescerbie or his website: https://www.jamescerbie.com/ Thanks so much for your time and tuning into the show! Best,  MTB Episode time stamps: 7:05 - James' big rocks and how he breaks down how he addresses fitness in his coaching 15:40 - Leveraging lifestyle management outside of the gym and how much of a profound impact it has on performance and longevity 18:34 - James' minimum threshold for weekly training  18:58 - Importance of nutrition   19:50 - Importance of sleep   20:55 - Importance of community and support network  21:50 - Meditation, journaling and mindfulness practice 22:50  - Purpose  26:10 - Why coaches matter 29:00 - How James transitioned from Rebel Performance to Total Man OS 34:27 - “Standing on the shoulders of giants.” James talks about all the mentors who have played a big role in his development 43:03 - Total Man OS  

This week I am joined by QB Country founder, David Morris.  I met David through my work with former NY Giants quarterback, Eli Manning in 2019 and have since built a solid partnership. Along with my business the ANNEX, I also run the QB Country New Jersey location for on field quarterback development.  In our conversation we talk about how he started QB Country and its evolution to where it is today. We also get into how he looks at developing young quarterbacks from a young age and the long term approach he takes with these young, up and coming quarterbacks as they transition into higher levels of football.  David also gets into the mental aspects of developing quarterbacks in order to handle the challenges that come along with being the leader on the football field.  I truly enjoyed my conversation with David, I hope you do, as well.  Best, MTB   Episode time stamps: 2:10 Background of David Morris and QB Country 5:40 - David on building the culture of QB Country: "Coaching football not because you love it, but because you can't live without it." 8:05 - How culture plays out on the field when it comes to coaching athletes on the field 11:50 - Developing skills in the young quarterback 18:10 - Progressing skills from the basic to more advanced training methodologies 22: 48 - Developing the mental skills to the Quarterback position 28:20 - David talks about the importance of fitness and performance in his own life   

In this week's episode I am joined by ANNEX Sports' Director of Performance, Damien Akins.  As we approach yet another off season for our baseball players, Damien and I discuss what early off-season training looks like for our athletes at The ANNEX, how we go about assessing athletes post their season, and what we focus on early in the off season for our ball players.  These are efforts we utilize with both our amateur through professional level athletes.  Below are time stamps for specific topics throughout the episode: 2:05 - Context of what we are talking about today 2:50 - Post-season Assessment process 7:50 - Professional athlete considerations in the assessment process and needs analysis 15:09 - "Big Rocks" of Early Off Season training for our ball players 20:35 - Breaking down Early Off Season for High School ball players 22:50 - Constraints-based approach to managing sprint velocities 26:40 - Athletes "earn the right to run fast." 30:00 - Approach to Early Off Season Conditioning and aerobic capacity work 38:40 - Workload management outside of the weight room and how to mix in skill work throughout the off season 46:11 - The importance of leveraging lifestyle management (sleep & nutrition) in order to maximize your efforts in the training and development process   If you wish to follow Damien on social media he can be found on instagram at @sterlingstrength and @annexsports  Thank you for listening and supporting the show! Best, MTB

Episode 1 of the MTB Performance Project I am excited for our first guest, my wife, Perrin Brueckner. When discussing how I wanted to launch this podcast, we both thought it would be fun for us to sit down and talk about the WHY behind this project. We look back on the evolution of how I ended up in this position and who better than her, as she has seen it all first hand every step of the way.  I hope you enjoy the episode.  Episodes will be released every Wednesday.  If you want to follow more of my content, you can follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickbrueckner/ Best,  MTB