Learn about leadership and the qualities that make up successful leaders in the latest episode of the Huffines Institute Podcast. Dr. Mark Lasota, a professor in Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M, joins us to share his insights. In addition to his role as a professor, Dr. Lasota is a published author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and has provided leadership and performance consulting to companies and sport organizations. Contact us at: Huffines@tamu.edu Find us online at Huffinesinstitute.org

An athlete's success can depend on many factors, and their training, recovery, and nutrition are often the first that come to mind. However, success frequently depends on more than these well-known objective measures. An athlete's psychological health can have an enormous influence on performance, as well as life beyond sport. This episode features Dr. Megan Williams, a faculty member in the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University. She was also a former collegiate volleyball player. Dr. Willams shares her experience finding identity after collegiate athletics and emphasizes the importance of psychological support for student-athletes. How team environments can enhance an individual's accountability and stress management skills are also discussed.

Making goals for the new year is an excellent way to kick off 2025, but what's the best way to make sure your goals don't fall by the wayside a few weeks after the year begins? We look at this question in the latest episode of the Huffines Institute We Do the Heavy Lifting podcast. Erin Randall, an organization and life coach, gives practical advice for anyone looking to implement new habits or goals. She discusses the importance of systems and how to prioritize tasks to get the most out of your time.

Being part of an Airforce Special Operations Team entails many rigorous physical and mental challenges. To keep the operators healthy and ready to perform, they must be supported by an exceptional group of medical professionals. In this episode we speak with Major Evan Carson, an active-duty physical therapist in the United States Air Force. Hear how Major Carson oversees a dynamic team of medical professionals dedicated to ensuring the health and performance of Air Force operators and provides insight into a lesser-known area of physical therapy practice. Major Carson shares his journey to becoming a physical therapist working with elite tactical athletes and his experiences providing treatment to operators in the field, frequently without typical clinic resources.

In this episode we spoke with Dr. Laura Marsh. Dr. Marsh is on the Huffines Advisory Board in addition to her role as the director of the sports medicine fellowship at Texas A&M. Being a family and sports medicine physician for over a decade Dr. Marsh has great insight into holistic approaches to healthcare. During the episode she shares how she applies this approach to elite athletes as well as the general population. Additionally, we discuss her journey to becoming a sports medicine physician and the role she plays bridging the gap between orthopedist and primary care.

Welcome back to part 2 with Dr. David Regan Suarez, a physical therapist, and Saul Luna, an athletic trainer. Both are part of the excellent sports medicine staff here at Texas A&M. During the episode, David and Saul address more nuanced topics such as the process of returning an athlete to sport and the psychology of injury.

Welcome back to our latest episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting!Today we speak with Dr. David Regan Suarez, a physical therapist, and Saul Luna, an athletic trainer. Both are part of the excellent sports medicine staff here at Texas A&M. During the episode, David and Saul address the differences between physical therapists and athletic trainers, sharing the pros and cons of each. In this initial episode, both practitioners share practical advice for students interested in the field of sports medicine and human performance. This episode is just part 1 of a 2-part series, where part two focuses on more nuanced topics such as the process of returning an athlete to sport and the psychology of injury. Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back to our latest episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! This week, our guest is Dr. Joyce Terrell, athletic trainer, professor at Morehouse College, and owner of her own private practice. This episode is filled with knowledge for those looking to learn about the challenges of becoming an athletic trainer and some of the ins and outs of owning a business. Dr. Terrell's journey is an inspiring one that teaches us to trust the process of what is meant to be, and she shared wisdom that can help an uprising student, and also anyone looking to fulfill their purpose amid the challenges and struggles of life. Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back to our latest episode of We Do The Heavy Lifting! This week, our guest is Dr. Paul Batista, Texas A&M faculty athletics representative. Dr Batista is a seasoned professional in law. He has been a county judge, is currently a professor of law in the sport management department at Texas A&M, and is the primary liaison for Texas A&M representing the SEC to the NCAA. On top of all this, he leads students in a study abroad every summer, expanding Aggie connections and influence to Germany and Austria. This educational episode will provide knowledge of the history that has lead us to this critical point in collegiate athletics and the possible legal ramifications that will shape the future of sports.Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back to our latest episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! This week, our guest is Bryan Snyder, with Texas A&M Athletics. Mr. Snyder has a multitude of experience with athletes and coaches at the world-class level, making him a seasoned veteran in the field of nutrition. Texas A&M is fortunate to have him currently, and our listeners will gain new insight that has helped him develop top performers. Whether you are a fitness guru, or simply interested in improving your health status, this episode with Bryan Snyder is for you!   Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back to our latest episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! This week, our guest is Dr. Steven Riechman, assistant professor and chair of Kinesiology at Texas A&M University. He shared insight into his research on physical and mental fatigue. We all know what it's like to be tired and low on energy, but what exactly is causing us to be fatigued, and what are the different types of fatigue? Watch this video to understand what type of fatigue you are displaying, combat your fatigue, and to be inspired to solve new research problems! Whether you are a student interested in research, or you want to become more efficient in your day to day life, this episode can provide new wisdom for you to navigate a healthier lifestyle.    Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back to this week’s inspiring episode! Join us as we discuss the importance of youth sport and personal development. This weeks guest is Roderick World Harris Jr. He is a former football player who is now director of Brazos Valley Youth Sports Association, where he coaches and leads children to be their best on and off the field. In this episode Roderick World Harris Jr. will be teaching his philosophy that leads people to becoming their best in any realm of life. If you are looking to become a better leader, seeking wisdom, or need inspiration this episode will provide value to you.  Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back to our latest episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting this week! Our featured guest is none other than Dr. Heather Linden, the distinguished Senior Director of Physical Therapy at the UFC Performance Institutes worldwide. In this episode, Dr. Linden will be sharing insights into the utilization of extracorporeal shockwave therapy within the realm of physical rehabilitation. Additionally, she'll be delving into her own career journey, shedding light on the unique path that has led her to her current position. Whether you're a student aspiring to follow in her footsteps or simply curious about the evolving landscape of physical therapy, this episode promises to provide valuable advice and fascinating anecdotes from Dr. Heather Linden's wealth of expertise. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation! Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back for another exciting episode this week! In today’s installment, our guest is Dr. Meredith McQuerry. Dr. McQuerry is an associate professor at Florida State University and holds a PhD in Textile Technology Management. She is at the forefront of improving the efficiency and safety of firefighters through her groundbreaking research on their equipment. During this episode, Dr. McQuerry sheds light on gender disparities in the manufacturing of firefighting gear and explores how this gear impacts performance in the field. Join us to gain valuable insights from Meredith as she takes us on a journey and shares her vision for enhancing the future of firefighters and, by extension, our broader community. Thank you for tuning into We Do the Heavy Lifting! This week's episode is dedicated to Dr. Jenna Yentes' father, Cliff Yentes, Jr. A retired, career firefighter with Omaha Fire (IAFF Local 385). If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back for another exciting episode this week! In today’s installment, our guest is Howard Gray, serving as the Associate Athletics Director for Performance at Texas A&M University. He takes charge of performance nutrition, strength and conditioning, and sport science. In this episode, Howard delves into the realm of sports science and the collaborative efforts happening on campus. Tune in to gain insights from Howard as he discusses the integration of sports science within Texas A&M Athletics, its future direction, and the strategies employed in preparing students for their entry into the workforce. Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back to a new episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! In today’s installment, our topic delves into substance use and misuse. Joining us is Dr. Montemayor, an assistant professor at Texas A&M University in the Department of Health Behavior within the School of Public Health, specializing as a behavioral social scientist. Our conversation revolves around the responsible practices of substance use, the myriad influences that shape its adoption, both internal and external, and the efficacy of these strategies. Particularly for students, comprehending the ramification of unsafe substance use holds great importance. For additional resources, please visit the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at https://caps.tamu.edu/ and the Division of Student Affairs at https://studentlife.tamu.edu/hp/.   Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back to a new episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! In today’s episode our focus shifts to Parkinson’s Disease, featuring insights from Dr Deanna Kennedy. Dr. Kennedy holds the position of an associate professor within the Kinesiology and Sport Management department at Texas A&M University. She also directs the Student-Fighter Project in partnership with the Robert Conte Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. This initiative has birthed a program rooted in the community, wherein her students impart motor skills to individuals grappling with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Engaging as volunteers at Rock Steady Boxing in College Station, Texas, they extend a helping hand to the PD-afflicted community. This dynamic collaboration significantly impacts PD patients by fostering human connection and providing an avenue to preserve or enhance their physical well-being. For more information on how to get involved at Rock Steady Boxing visit their website at: http://collegestation.rsbaffiliate.com/ Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome to the latest installment of We Do the Heavy Lifting, the podcast brought to you by the Huffines Institute. This platform serves as a dynamic hub for engaging conversations surrounding human performance. Initially launched as The Sports Medicine Podcast under the guidance of Dr. Tim Lightfoot, it has since evolved into We Do the Heavy Lifting, led by Dr. Jenna Yentes. The Huffines Institute serves as a catalyst for advancing research, its practical application, and effective communication of findings. In today's episode, we delve into significant milestones achieved by the Huffines Institute, joined by three of our esteemed Huffines team members. Dr. Steve Martin, the Associate Director, offers valuable insights, accompanied by Macilynn Coles, our Lead Administrative Assistant, and Anisha Patel, the Executive Producer. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the remarkable accomplishments and ongoing endeavors undertaken by the Huffines Institute.   Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!  

Welcome back to a brand-new episode! In this installment, we’re joined by Dr. Courtney Benjamin, an Assistant Professor at Samford University in Homewood, Alabama. Dr. Benjamin’s expertise lies in collaborating with athletes, tackling performance alterations triggered by changes in heat. Her captivating research centers around the realms of head and hydration. Today’s riveting discussion revolves around the impact of heat on performance, and more importantly, actionable strategies to alleviate its effects. Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!

Welcome back to this week’s exciting episode! Join us as we venture into the world of cupping and dry needling with the insightful Dr. Sheri Walters. As the assistant athletics director at Texas A&M University, overseeing physical therapy and Olympic sports athletic training, Dr. Walters brings a wealth of knowledge about these Eastern healing practices. Discover the versatility of cupping and dry needling as Dr. Walters sheds light on their application in various scenarios. Tune in to explore the purpose and mechanisms behind these powerful therapies! Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of We Do the Heavy Lifting! If you have any comments or topics you would like to hear from us, email us at Huffines@tamu.edu. As always, have an active and healthy week!