What happens when elite performance meets real-life resilience? Dr. Amy Athey brings 25+ years of experience—from NCAA programs to Navy SEALs—to Performance Talk with insights on building trust, sustaining peak performance, and leading through service. 🎧

Performance is evolving—and Craig Lane is helping shape the next generation. In this return visit to Performance Talk, Craig unpacks the growing role of sports science, why coaching still matters most, and how confidence, context, and collaboration drive athlete success.

Dr. Ewell Gordon welcomes Mauricio Elizondo, Director of Sports Medicine at Austin FC to this episode of Performance Talk. With nearly two decades of experience spanning minor league baseball, professional tennis, and now Major League Soccer, Mauricio shares insights into building comprehensive high-performance teams. The conversation explores the evolving relationship between physical therapists and athletic trainers, the importance of data-driven decision making, and how communication bridges medical care with performance training. Mauricio discusses Austin FC's expanded team structure, including their new "return to play" specialist position, and offers valuable advice for young professionals entering the sports medicine field.

From soldier to sports psych pro, Dr. Sean Green joins Performance Talk to unpack the powerful intersection of mental strength and physical readiness. In this deep-dive with Ewell Gordon, they explore athlete identity, injury recovery, neuroscience, and why performance is more than just what happens on the field.

Can a sleep mask actually boost performance? In this eye-opening episode of Performance Talk, Ewell Gordon sits down with Lori Oliver and Jill MacRae of The Inactive Company to explore how science-backed sleep tools are revolutionizing recovery for athletes, tactical professionals, and high performers everywhere. 🔗 Learn more about The Inactive Company: https://inactiveco.com/

Anna Reddington of Belmont University joins Performance Talk to share her journey from private-sector performance coaching to teaching the next generation of strength professionals. From big moves to big lessons, hear how she’s bridging the gap between theory and practice in S&C.

Can clinical research shape elite performance? Dr. John Farrell of Texas State University joins Performance Talk to explore how adaptive sports, athlete monitoring, and interdisciplinary teamwork are transforming sports science from the lab to the weight room—and why curiosity, collaboration, and community are key to long-term success.

Seton Hall’s Angelo Gennarelli joins Performance Talk to reflect on 20 years in college strength & conditioning, why climbing outward can be just as powerful as climbing up, and how to truly impact athletes beyond the weight room. A must-listen for coaches, parents, and future pros. #PerformanceTalk #StrengthAndConditioning #SportsPerformance #CoachingWisdom #LongGameLeadership #NSCA #HumanPerformance #AthleteDevelopment #CoachingJourney

What does it take to grow a two-credit class into a robust, multidisciplinary performance program? Dr. Joni Boyd of Winthrop University returns to Performance Talk with Ewell Gordon to share how she's helping redefine strength & conditioning education. From curriculum expansion to a $21M facility and a soon-to-open performance lab, this conversation dives into the evolution of exercise science, balancing academics with real-world application, and why performance is no longer just about athletes.

“Recovery isn’t a pause — it’s part of the plan.” In this global edition of Performance Talk, Dr. Jo Brown joins Dr. Ewell Gordon to break down the clinical-performance continuum, why individualized recovery matters, and how elite athletes can stay consistently healthy and competition-ready. If you're a coach, clinician, or athlete, this episode will change how you think about performance. #PerformanceTalk #SportsScience #AthleteHealth #TrainingIQ #HumanPerformance #RecoveryMatters

In this powerful episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon sits down with Mark Christiani, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach embedded in the Army Reserve's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program. They unpack the evolution of military fitness, the rise of human performance initiatives in the armed forces, and what it takes to train soldiers in both active and reserve settings. From navigating irregular schedules to building “training IQ” in thousands of troops, Christiani shares insights from the frontlines of tactical performance coaching—where the stakes are mission-critical. Key Takeaways: Military Meets Performance Science: Mark discusses his journey from the 75th Ranger Regiment to collegiate strength coaching and back to the military through the H2F program. Training IQ Over Time: Empowering soldiers with the knowledge to self-program and understand exercise purpose is crucial—especially with limited contact time. Flexibility Is Key: Unlike collegiate sports with rigid schedules, reserve military training demands adaptability, creative time use, and triage-based prioritization. Team-Based Success: The active-duty side benefits from a multidisciplinary team, while the Reserve leans on partnerships like O2X for specialized resources in nutrition, sleep, and education. Visit link: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fRlMbX... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Twitter :   /performancetalk   Linkedin :   performancetalk   #sports #performancetalk #performance #sportspsychology #Nutrition #physiology #podcast #Fitness # Health #Exercise #athletes

On this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon welcomes Andrew Menter — athlete, innovator, and CEO of Physmodo — to dive into the intersection of personal pain and cutting-edge performance tech. After years of competing at a high level in tennis, rugby, and Ironman events, Andrew’s body hit a wall — and the recovery process exposed a glaring gap in how we assess movement and prevent injury. That gap became the mission: create a fast, objective, and accessible way to screen for dysfunction before it becomes injury. The result? Physmodo, a powerful yet simple tool that uses motion capture to analyze movement in real time — and help coaches, clinicians, and individuals get proactive about mobility, stability, and alignment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about human performance, recovery, or simply moving better for life. Key Takeaways: From Athlete to Architect: How Andrew’s own injuries laid the foundation for a smarter way to screen movement. Why Movement Matters: The deep squat as a diagnostic powerhouse — and why it reveals so much about how you move. The Tech Side of Movement: How AI and 3D motion capture are reshaping how we approach injury prevention and performance. Scalability in Action: The beauty of Physmodo is in its simplicity — quick screens, no wearables, no guesswork. Posture = Pattern: Exploring the connection between long-term posture, movement patterns, and chronic dysfunction. More Than Athletes: Why this matters for everyone — from youth sports to corporate wellness to aging adults. The Future of Movement Screening: What’s next in the space — and how data is driving a more informed approach to health and performance. 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on performance and mental toughness! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fRlMbXQzaBjG0n6mZ8TUN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/performance-talk/id1454514628 Twitter :  @performancetalk   Linkedin : performancetalk   #sports #performancetalk #performance #sportspsychology #Nutrition #physiology #podcast #Fitness # Health #Exercise #athletes

In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode of Performance Talk, host Dr. Ewell Gordon welcomes Dr. Mike Israetel—renowned sports scientist, professor, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, and competitive athlete. From high school wrestling roots to academic mastery in performance science, Mike shares his journey through education, self-discovery, and relentless pursuit of truth in training. Gain insider insights on the evolution of strength and conditioning, the misconceptions of overtraining, and why recovery is the unsung hero of peak performance. The conversation dives into the modern athlete’s toolkit—from high school weight rooms to AI-powered programming—and challenges long-held myths in sport and fitness culture. Key Takeaways: Smart Training > Hard Training: Understanding maximum recoverable volume (MRV) is essential—more isn't always better. Recovery is a Performance Tool: The best athletes train hard and recover smarter than their competition. Evolving Knowledge: What worked 10–20 years ago might not be optimal today. Science helps us refine our approach. Academic Curiosity Fuels Great Coaching: Seeking evidence and asking “why” drives better long-term results than blind tradition. Information Overload is Real: In today’s digital age, athletes must be critical thinkers when filtering training advice. Mental Toughness ≠ Mindless Drills: Purpose-driven programming beats “just grind” culture for long-term development. Tech Meets Intuition: Even with AI and apps, lived athletic experience still plays a critical role in program design. 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on performance and mental toughness! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fRlMbXQzaBjG0n6mZ8TUN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/performance-talk/id1454514628 Twitter :  @performancetalk   Linkedin : performancetalk   #sports #performancetalk #performance #sportspsychology #Nutrition #physiology #podcast #Fitness # Health #Exercise #athletes

Performance begins in the kitchen! In this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon sits down with Rachel Muse, an elite performance chef, to discuss the critical role nutrition plays in an athlete’s success. Rachel shares her journey from private chef to fueling top athletes, the importance of meal timing, and how proper nutrition impacts performance on and off the field. 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on performance and mental toughness! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fRlMbXQzaBjG0n6mZ8TUN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/performance-talk/id1454514628 Twitter : @performancetalk Linkedin : performancetalk #sports #performancetalk #performance #sportspsychology #Nutrition #physiology #podcast #Fitness # Health #Exercise #athletes

In this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon sits down with John Flagg, founder of Rebuild Stronger, to discuss the differences between powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and strongman training. John shares his journey from athletic training to coaching elite strength athletes and how he helps them recover from injuries while maximizing performance. Tune in for expert insights on training, injury prevention, and the mindset needed to excel in strength sports! 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more performance insights! #Powerlifting #Strongman #OlympicLifting #PerformanceTalk

In this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon welcomes Dan Pope, a physical therapist and strength coach, to discuss the intersection of strength training and rehab. Dan shares his journey from fitness enthusiast to PT, the misconceptions about strength training in rehabilitation, and how the industry is evolving.  🔔 Subscribe for more insights on performance and mental toughness! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fRlMbXQzaBjG0n6mZ8TUN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/performance-talk/id1454514628 Twitter :  @performancetalk   Linkedin : performancetalk   #sports #performancetalk #performance #sportspsychology #Nutrition #physiology #podcast #Fitness # Health #Exercise #athletes

Dr. Rob Schinke, a former elite equestrian and top sports psychologist, joins Dr. Ewell Gordon to discuss mindset, confidence, and performance consistency. With experience in eight Olympic Games and extensive work with elite athletes, Dr. Schinke shares key insights on overcoming self-doubt, handling pressure, and building mental resilience.  Don't miss this deep dive into the psychology of high performance! 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on performance and mental toughness! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fRlMbXQzaBjG0n6mZ8TUN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/performance-talk/id1454514628 Twitter:@performancetalk   Linkedin: performancetalk   #sports #performancetalk #performance #sportspsychology #Nutrition #physiology #podcast #Fitness # Health #Exercise #athletes

In this episode of Performance Talk, Dr. Ewell Gordon sits down with Joe Drake, a fitness educator and co-founder of a training and performance business in Boca Raton, Florida. They discuss the evolution of exercise science, the importance of foundational fitness for athletes, and how to approach training young athletes effectively. 🔔 Tune in for valuable insights into the ever-growing world of performance training! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fRlMbXQzaBjG0n6mZ8TUN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/performance-talk/id1454514628 Twitter: @performancetalk   Linkedin: performancetalk   #sports #performancetalk #performance #sportspsychology #Nutrition #physiology #podcast #Fitness # Health #Exercise #athletes

Join Dr. Ewell Gordon as he delves into the dynamic world of sports performance, where medicine, athletics, and personal growth intersect. In this episode, Dr. Christle Guevarra shares her inspiring journey from aspiring athlete to a leading expert in sports medicine, strength conditioning, and nutrition recovery—shaped by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Takeaways: Dr. Guevarra’s diverse career, including co-authoring a bodybuilding book and working with RP Strength. The critical role of communication between athletes, coaches, and medical professionals in optimizing performance. How adaptability and resilience are essential for overcoming unexpected professional challenges.

Join hosts Dr. Ewell Gordon as he dives into a fascinating conversation with expert trainer Dean Somerset. Discover the nuances of post-rehab training, where medical discharge meets athletic ambition. Dean shares his journey from being an injury-prone athlete to becoming a sought-after kinesiologist specializing in bridging the gap between physiotherapy and effective training. Key Takeaways: - The importance of personalized post-rehab plans for sustainable recovery. - How collaboration among fitness professionals enhances client outcomes. - Building professional networks that foster trust and reciprocal referrals The conversation underscores that quality service stems from communication and trust-building between client needs and professional expertise—ultimately ensuring everyone involved works towards optimal health outcomes together.