Samson Strength Coach Collective

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Kacie Allison, Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Bowling Green University. Kacie shares her powerful journey from college athlete to strength coach and opens up about how embracing discomfort led to personal and professional breakthroughs. Drawing from her experience in softball and triathlon, Kacie discusses the challenges of being an introvert in a high-energy profession, the profound impact of COVID on her career trajectory, and the importance of mentorship and clear communication with interns.Whether you're just entering the field or a seasoned coach, this episode is a powerful reminder that growth happens outside the comfort zone.Key Takeaways:Stepping into uncomfortable situations leads to the most personal and professional growth.Dual-sport experience builds unique insight and resilience.COVID-19 played a pivotal role in shifting career priorities and opportunities.Internships are vital for building connections and learning soft skills.Mentorship, clear expectations, and regular feedback are key for intern development.Introverts can thrive in coaching by owning their voice and purpose.Failure is a gateway to growth—mentally and emotionally.Quote: "Each time that I go through an experience like that where I'm moving and I'm taking a new big job or I'm doing something that's really scary for me, I grow the most." — Kacie Allison

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Charles Kenward of Incarnate Word University joins us to break down the nuanced relationship between teaching and coaching. As someone running both Olympic and football strength programs solo, Charles brings a unique lens on time management, communication, and athlete development. He emphasizes how the weight room isn't just for physical training—it's a classroom, a community, and a space where leadership is formed.He shares how trust and understanding—knowing a coach's or athlete's middle name, as he says—are the foundation for effective coaching. Charles walks us through how his methods evolve as athletes mature and how empowering seniors to become teachers in their own right builds sustainable culture and performance. Key Takeaways:Charles Kenward runs both Olympic and football strength programs at Incarnate Word University.The weight room should be a place of community, teaching, and leadership development.Teaching is the foundation of coaching—athletes must first learn before they can perform.Seniors are empowered to become teachers to freshmen, reinforcing knowledge and accountability.Building strong, trusting relationships with both athletes and coaches is critical.Intimacy in basketball training creates different dynamics than football.Understanding anatomy enhances coaching decisions and athlete development.Coaches should balance being both mentors and friends to athletes.Quote: “You can't coach anyone until you really know them… at least know their middle name.” — Charles Kenward

SummaryIn this engaging episode, Aaron Clayton, Partner at Performance Chefs, shares his journey from fine dining to the frontlines of athletic performance. He unpacks the critical role of a performance chef, emphasizing how timing, hydration, and trust play into nutrition strategies that elevate an athlete's career. Aaron highlights the importance of collaboration across performance teams, balancing personal sacrifice, and creatively addressing each athlete's unique needs through food.Key TakeawaysPerformance chefs translate nutritional science into meals athletes actually eat.Timing and hydration are critical to maximize training and recovery.Collaboration between chefs, trainers, and dietitians is vital.Building trust with athletes is a cornerstone of successful nutrition strategies.Creativity and culinary experience are non-negotiable in performance cooking.Educating athletes on nutrition empowers long-term career sustainability.Colleges are expanding nutrition offerings to attract top talent.Quote “It doesn't matter how nutritionally dense the food is on the plate. If the athlete doesn't eat it, it's not healthy... Food plays a major role in the way we feel and act on a daily basis—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and so forth.” — Aaron Clayton

In this conversation, Keegan Smith details his path from high school football in Alabama to working under Scott Cochran at Alabama and now coaching Olympic sports at Georgia Southern. He reflects on the emotional demands of coaching, building authentic relationships with athletes, and creating a culture rooted in trust and personal growth. Keegan emphasizes the value of early strength exposure, team-driven success, and the importance of coaching style in building athlete buy-in.Key Takeaways Strength culture starts early and is shaped through consistent habits.Team culture and leadership are daily practices, not slogans.Coaching relationships must evolve with the realities of the transfer portal.Coaching Olympic sports requires adaptable, athlete-centered styles.Emotional intelligence is essential for long-term success in coaching.Personal and career growth comes from learning from your staff and peers.Details in training environments impact athlete mindset and motivation.Developing the whole athlete—beyond sports—is key to program longevity.Quote “Get close with the people on your staff… Learn their styles. Take what works. Leave what doesn't. That's okay.” — Keegan Smith

In this candid episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Michael Tucker, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Liberty University, reflects on his coaching journey—from internships to leading performance programs. Michael emphasizes how foundational relationships are to coaching success. He dives into pacing, motivation, energy management, and maintaining professional and personal relationships, including navigating long-distance commitments. The episode offers a real-world look at coaching across sports, managing athlete data, and staying energized amidst the daily grind. Coaches will find encouragement, inspiration, and tangible lessons from someone who has walked the path with intention and passion.Building genuine relationships is central to coaching effectiveness and athlete trust.Strength coaches are expected to bring energy—learning to manage and pace it is key.Loyalty to athletes and colleagues strengthens team dynamics and long-term success.Coaching across sports brings diversity of experience and insight.Motivation must be cultivated, especially during tough or uncertain times.Long-distance relationships, though challenging, can be navigated with intention.Understanding and applying sports statistics effectively is a learned skill.Time invested in athlete connection yields better outcomes in training and beyond.Enjoyment and fulfillment in coaching are rooted in personal connection and growth.Collaborative learning and internships play a critical role in coach development.Key TakeawaysQuote with Guest Name Attribution"If you invest in your players, they're going to invest back in you—and then you're going to get a better product in the weight room." — Michael Tucker

S02|E208Unbreakable Athletics with Jim Beebe | Samson Strength Coach CollectiveIn this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we're joined by Jim Beebe—owner of Unbreakable Athletics and creator of the Athlete Builder system. Jim opens up about a powerful turning point in his life: a moment in his front yard with his son that sparked a radical transformation.We talk about how that moment led him from a finance job to founding a gym—and a mindset. Jim's holistic approach blends physical training, nutrition, and mental discipline. This episode is packed with real-world lessons on coaching, accountability, and how to turn adversity into strength.⸻Topics Covered:From finance to founding Unbreakable AthleticsCoaching mindset and mental PRsHow to teach healthy habits to your kidsBuilding lifelong accountabilityHolistic coaching: nutrition, training, and mental focusSuccess stories and life-saving transformationsThe philosophy behind Athlete BuilderCoaching general pop vs. athletesThe value of continuous learning in fitness⸻Keywords:Jim Beebe, Unbreakable Athletics, Athlete Builder, fitness coaching, mental toughness, accountability, holistic health, strength training, gym owner, personal transformation

Elite Athlete Nutrition with Jessica IsaacsOn this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Jessica Isaacs—elite athlete, sports dietitian, and voice of reason in the chaotic world of performance nutrition.Jessica shares her incredible journey from serving as an aircraft mechanic in the military to becoming a trusted expert in collegiate and elite athlete nutrition. She dives into the real challenges athletes face today, especially around food language, misinformation on social media, and the overwhelming pressure to look or eat a certain way.We explore:The evolving role of sports dietitians in athlete health and performanceHow to use positive, inclusive language around foodWhat it takes to build trust with athletes and create buy-inWhy collaboration between strength coaches and dietitians mattersSocial media's influence on dietary decisionsCommon myths athletes believe about food and performanceCreative strategies to engage athletes in their own nutrition journeyHydration, timing, and making nutrition stick without being rigidJessica emphasizes that the key to effective nutrition isn't just what's on the plate — it's about relationships, trust, communication, and meeting athletes where they are.Quote from Jessica:“Even if you have all the letters after your name and you're the expert—if this other person has a million followers and says things confidently, they're going to listen to them. That's why trust is everything.”

S02E207Asking Reflective Questions in Coaching with Sean Swetnam | Samson Strength Coach CollectiveOn the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Sean Swetnam, Assistant Director of Football Performance at UCLA. In this episode, Sean shares his path from private sector training to coaching at a Power Five program—and how that journey shaped his approach to athlete development.We dive into how to support athletes during identity transitions, why relationship-building is crucial to performance, and how asking the right questions can create breakthrough moments. Sean also details the innovative fine system he uses to create accountability among coaching staff and how he balances technology with personal connection in the weight room.⸻Topics Covered:Transitioning from private sector to collegiate athleticsIdentity crises and mental health in athletesThe role of soft skills in coachingHow to build trust and communicationBalancing tech and human connection in performance coachingCreating accountability through a staff fine boardRelationship-driven coaching culture at UCLACoaching consistency and leadership under changeKeywords: Sean Swetnam, UCLA, strength coach, athlete identity, coaching culture, collegiate athletics, sports performance, relationship building, soft skills, football performance, trust in coaching, coaching communication

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Dakota Wilson, Director of Athletic Performance at Ouachita Baptist University. In this episode, Dakota shares his journey from walk-on offensive lineman to full-time strength coach, and the lessons learned while starting a brand new strength and conditioning departmen

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective with Director of Sports Performance for Liberty Christian School in Argyle, David Neill. During the episode we discuss the importance of culture development in a team, aligning your program with the head coach's vision, and identifying and developing team leaders.Topics Covered:Defining and reinforcing cultural valuesCommunicating across the coaching staffDeveloping team leadersThe unique dynamics of Texas high school sportsEntrepreneurship in the world of coachingKeywords: David Neill, strength coach, Texas high school sports, team culture, coaching philosophy, athlete leadership, sports performance, strength conditioning, coaching business

Values-Based Coaching with Blair Lloyd | Samson Strength Coach CollectiveS02-E202On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective with Blair Lloyd, Director of Training for Pure Performance. During the episode we discuss identifying your core values as a coach, overcoming significant injuries, and how mentor coaching can transform a coach's career.Topics covered: • Self-doubt and coaching growth • Empathy and athlete injuries • Shared success & team culture • Mentor coaching for personal development • Core values and coaching principles

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak San Diego Gulls Strength and Conditioning Coach and Co-Owner of Move The Needle, Mike Sullivan. During the episode we discuss consistently challenging yourself as a coach, the genesis of Move The Needle, and the benefits of hosting a podcast.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Renaissance Periodization Strength Coach, Danny Wirt. During the episode we discuss building relationships with your clients, how to use self-reflection in your career, and how to navigate diet and exercise myth-busting conversations.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Christian Hosley, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for New Mexico State University Basketball. During the episode we discuss how to seek mentorship, building relationships with athletes, and how to build your confidence as a coach.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Tactical Strength and Conditioning Coach, Sam Daoust. During the episode we discuss Sam's early career and how it forced him to think quick on his feet, the differences between Canadian and American strength and conditioning cultures, and some of the challenges that come with the tactical field.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective our host, Connor Agnew, breaks down the entirety of his work with his Men's Basketball team at Appalachian State University. The episode includes Connor's process in programming, nutrition, and sports psychology.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Performance for Lubbock Christian University, Oliver Houston IV. During the episode we discuss what comes with being an Assistant AD, how to preserve work-life balance, and what culture he is trying to develop in the weightroom.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for football at Florida Atlantic University, Bryson Breeding. During the episode we discuss his experience in various sub-sections of S&C, the lessons he learned in each area, and following the path that works for you.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with owner of Full Strength Father, Kristoffer Koerper. During the episode we discuss the mission of Full Strength Father, how it has shaped others' lives, and what the testing protocols are for his program.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Anthony Cockrill, Director of Volleyball Sport Performance for Southern Methodist University. During the episode we discuss the rapid growth of volleyball in the US, his process with social media posts, and how he approaches nutrition with his team.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with graduate assistant for Florida Atlantic University, Ryan Berry. During the episode we discuss lessons Ryan has learned during his assistantship, what his mentors have taught him during his career, and what he looks forward to past his time at FAU.

In this conversation, Missy Mitchell-McBeth shares her journey in the field of strength and conditioning, detailing her transition from coaching volleyball to becoming a director of sports performance. She discusses the challenges of balancing multiple roles, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the importance of work-life balance. Missy also reflects on her experiences in graduate school and the shift from collegiate to high school coaching, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability in the coaching profession. In this conversation, Connor Agnew and Missy Mitchell-McBeth discuss the challenges of running a business in strength coaching, the insights gained from writing a book aimed at coaches, and the nuances of public speaking. They explore the misconceptions about entrepreneurship, the importance of practical resources for coaches, and the skills needed to effectively communicate ideas in a public setting.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, our host Connor Agnew reflects on his three goals from the previous year, sets three new goals for 2025, and discusses three things strength coaches should “leave behind” in 2024.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Assistant Director of Sports Performance for Oral Roberts University, Andrew Nilo. During the episode we discuss how Andrew keeps the players from relying on data too much, the culture of baseball training, and how his style of coaching has changed over the years.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Justine Tramontana, Sports Physical Therapist for Breakthrough Physical Therapy. During the episode we discuss how to be proactive in continuing education, how strength coaches and DPTs can best work together, and the joys of successful DPT-client relationships.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with John Bloom, owner of Elevated Athlete Development. During the episode we discuss John's Transition from collegiate strength and conditioning to the private sector, the importance of reflection, and his new book “Strength In Numbers”

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Doctor of Physical Therapy, Greg Masturzo. During the episode Greg discusses the path he took to become a DPT, how his experience in other fields of work has honed his soft skills, and what how he views his role of being a DPT.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Head Performance Coach for Princeton University, Angie Brambley-Moyer. During the episode we discuss navigating a transition to leadership with your staff, how to attack the hiring process, and setting boundaries for a positive work-life balance.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning for FAU, Ty Curtis. During the episode we discuss how working at the Division 3 level shaped Ty's career, the importance of training yourself as a coach, and how to reflect and improve on your coaching.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Assistant Director of Olympic Sports Performance, Ryan Metzger. During the episode we discuss her pursuit of an M.B.A, her Olympic lifting career, and some of the biggest challenges she has faced in her career.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Owner of Rebuild Performance and Rehab, Connor Schoepp. During the episode we discuss common contributors to burnout for strength coaches, the challenges of starting a new business, and common mistakes seen within the return-to-play process.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for University of Hawaii, Ryan Ishihara. During the episode we discuss empathy in coaching, Ryan's experience as a high school athletic trainer, and the unique challenges that the University of Hawaii faces with their travel.

On the newest episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, our host Connor Agnew sits down to discuss Self-Determination Theory (SDT). During the episode Connor discusses what SDT is, how it can be applied to athletes, and how to.

On the newest episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Rachele Pojednic, Director of Scientific Research at Restore Hyper Wellness. During the episode we discuss Rachele's “range,” how to identify quality research, and her role at Restore Hyper Wellness.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Cameron Dietz, Assistant Director of Sports Performance for University of Cincinnati Baseball. During the episode we discuss staying motivated during the early stages of one's career, the value of producing social media content, and optimizing performance through sports science.

On the newest episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Jonathan Thompson, Director of Sports Performance for Basketball at Lipscomb University. During the episode we discuss JT's unique start to his career, how to grow from failure, and how coaches change throughout their career.

On the newest episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Associate Director for Strength and Conditioning at Detroit Mercy University, Logan Gibson. During the episode we discuss the first steps when you start a new position, developing systems in your work, and the importance of coaches participating in community involvement.

On the newest episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Coach Cory Sullivan. Cory currently serves as the Director of Football Strength and Conditioning for Murray State University. During the episode we discuss relationship development with our athletes, the “Find A Way” mentality, and what it means to be the son of the world's hardest working waitress.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Texas A&M Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Women's Basketball, Yolanda Berryhill. During the episode we discuss Yolanda's Basketball Performance Collective, what “Women In Sports” means to her, and building trust in a high performance system.

On the newest episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Director of Olympic Strength and Conditioning for Florida Atlantic University, Zane Scott. During the episode we discuss how to navigate the sport coach/strength coach relationship, Zane's experience going to the Final Four, and how to best work with basketball athletes

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with United States Air Force Academy Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Brad Raines. During the episode we discuss the concept of “followership,” life for cadets at USAFA who are also athletes, and the bodyweight circuits that have become infamous on their campus.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Manager of Human Performance for Parkview Sports Medicine, Scott Charland. During the episode we discuss the influence of the body building era on Scott's coaching, negotiating salaries, and embracing positions outside of the collegiate sector.

In the newest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Lew Porchiazzo. Lew currently serves as the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports at the University of Michigan. During the episode we discuss the various “soft skills” of strength and conditioning as well as embracing opportunities for growth for your athletes and yourself as a coach.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Sam Houston Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Andrew Hacker. During the episode we discuss Andrew's experience as a player and how it influences his coaching, his experience moving from a GA to full-time, and the other coaches who have influenced him along the way.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Dr. Emily Wright. Dr. Wright is owner of The Wright Mindset LCC, where she serves as a mental performance coach. During the episode we discuss the role of a mental performance coach, break down common misconceptions about sports psychology, and the concept of mental toughness.

On the newest episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Indiana University Athletic Performance Coach, Caitlin Miller. During the episode we discuss the strength coach that inspired Caitlin to enter the field, stepping out of your comfort zone, and the differences between year one and two as a full-time strength coach.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Christina Bernal. Christina currently serves as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Pennsylvania. During the episode we discuss building relationships with everyone in the building, the emotional burden of being an S&C coach, and her experience as Internship Director at UPenn.

On this episode we discuss “Stay Strong Krupp,” with Coach Jeanette Krupp. Stay Strong Krupp is a nonprofit organization that uses fitness events to bring a message of hope and spread awareness about substance use disorder, mental health, and many other issues facing today's society

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Merv Lumba, Sports Performance Coach at UMass Lowell. During the episode we discuss Merv's GA experience, the importance of learning your athletes, and Merv's personal fitness endeavors.

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective we speak with Rice University Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Bailey Deering. During the episode we discuss Bailey's first year as a head strength coach, the importance of training yourself, and professionals who have influenced Bailey during her career.

On this new episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Cornell University, Mike Missen. During the episode we discuss working at the same university as your significant other, communication with sport coaches, and embracing new sports.