Conquer Athlete Podcast

Conquer Athlete

Get an uncensored deep dive into all things functional fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Coach Jason Leydon, Ryan Bucciantini & the rest of the Conquer Team give you a place where you can learn, grow, and laugh.

  1. CAP 297: Debunking Myths in Energy Systems Training | 2 July 2026

    4 days ago

    CAP 297: Debunking Myths in Energy Systems Training | 2 July 2026

    In this episode, Ryan and Jason delve into the complexities of energy systems training, debunking common myths and emphasizing the importance of individualized programming. They discuss how to build aerobic capacity, balance intensity and volume, and avoid pitfalls in zone two training.   Key  topics Energy system training principles Building aerobic base with zone two work Balancing intensity and volume in training Periodization strategies for endurance athletes Common mistakes in zone two and endurance training The importance of movement quality and tissue resilience Myths and misconceptions about high intensity and zone two The role of heart rate data and testing in training Individualized training approaches based on athlete needs    Takeaways Building a strong aerobic base takes time and patience, often 6 months to several years depending on the athlete. Effective training balances zone two work with higher intensity efforts, avoiding excessive metabolic stress. Athletes and coaches should focus on movement quality and tissue resilience to support training adaptations. Heart rate data is a valuable metric for monitoring zone two efforts, but must be used correctly. Training should be individualized, considering the athlete's history, genetics, and current fitness level. The Truth About Zone Two Training and Building Aerobic Capacity Debunking Myths in Energy Systems Training   Sound Bites "You have to build that base to increase the ceiling." "You can't just hurt more to get better." "Heart rate data is not useless; it's a valuable metric."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and podcast overview 01:54 The role of fluff and banter in podcasts 02:53 Main topic: energy systems training and misconceptions 03:40 The importance of individualization in training 05:17 Building aerobic capacity: the 80-20 rule 10:41 Periodization and phase-specific training strategies 16:26 Movement quality and tissue resilience in early season 20:04 Common mistakes in zone two training and athlete adherence 23:28 The value of heart rate data and testing 24:30 Mentorship and further learning opportunities

    25 min
  2. CAP 296: Overcoming Competition Fumbles: Lessons from Semifinals - with Tyler Cooke | 25 June 2026

    25 Jun

    CAP 296: Overcoming Competition Fumbles: Lessons from Semifinals - with Tyler Cooke | 25 June 2026

    In this episode, Ryan and Tyler discuss their recent competition experiences, the challenges of online judging, mental resilience, and the importance of perspective in sport and life.   Key Topics    Overcoming Competition Fumbles: Lessons from Syndicate and Semifinals The Truth About Online Judging and Fair Play in CrossFit Competition setbacks and lessons learned Challenges of online judging and video review system Mental resilience and overcoming disappointment The importance of trust and focus during competitions Building a supportive team and athlete mindset The impact of external factors on performance The role of experience and perspective in sports Strategies for long-term athlete development    Takeaways   Trust in your training and avoid distractions during competition. The online judging system needs significant improvements for fairness. Mental toughness is crucial for bouncing back from setbacks. Focus on what you can control and execute with confidence. Building a positive culture enhances performance and enjoyment. External factors like judging and video review can unfairly impact results. Long-term success requires patience, persistence, and perspective.   Sound Bites   "We had a good time, even with the struggles." "We beat ourselves more than the other teams." "Trust in your training is everything."   Chapters   00:00 Welcome Back and Celebrating Milestones 02:53 Syndicate Competition Recap and Team Dynamics 05:52 Adversity and Mindset Shifts 09:08 Lessons Learned from Syndicate 11:53 Navigating Online Semifinals and Video Reviews 14:47 The Challenges of Judging and Fairness in Competition 17:51 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead 26:00 The Rise of 1124 Gym 29:46 The Power of Competition and Community 36:32 Embracing the Rodeo Spirit 40:04 CrossFit and Beyond: A Journey of Growth 42:46 The Emotional Toll of Athletic Pursuits 45:45 Understanding Self-Worth Beyond Performance 49:20 The Long Game: Balancing Performance and Longevity

    59 min
  3. CAP 292 Mastering Content Strategy for Coaches - with Kandace Hudspeth | 7 May 2026

    7 May

    CAP 292 Mastering Content Strategy for Coaches - with Kandace Hudspeth | 7 May 2026

    In this episode, Kandace Hudspeth shares insights on coaching, marketing strategies, and the impact of AI on the fitness industry. We explore how coaches can leverage content, build authentic brands, and adapt to technological shifts to grow their influence and business. Key Topics Content strategy and mastery practice AI integration in coaching and marketing Niche definition and audience targeting Takeaways Focus on depth over volume in content to build trust. Leverage AI tools like Claude and RxBot for efficiency and insights. Define your niche around your unique perspective and experience. Guest Name Kandace Hudspeth Topics Mastering Content Strategy for Coaches: The 3 Pillars of Impact How AI Will Transform Coaching and Marketing in 2024   Sound Bites "Keep it simple and effective." "Get clear on who you serve and what you want to say." "Build trust through content minutes, not just views." Chapters 00:00 CrossFit's New Leadership and Community Impact 02:39 Reflections on the CrossFit Games and Coaching Dynamics 05:19 Challenges in Competition Programming and Judging 08:00 The Future of Fitness Competitions and Athlete Opportunities 10:31 Marketing Strategies for Coaches in a Mature Market 13:13 Building a Unique Coaching Voice and Content Strategy 15:49 The Importance of Depth Over Volume in Content Creation 18:32 Navigating Niche and Audience Engagement 21:11 The Shift from Social Media to Interest Media 24:08 Creating Authentic Content and Building Trust 28:29 Navigating the Chaos of Online Marketing 30:42 The Importance of Content Repurposing 33:26 Finding Your Niche as a Coach 35:20 The Role of Aesthetics in Content Creation 38:35 Leveraging AI in Coaching 43:43 Embracing Change in the Coaching Landscape

    47 min

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Get an uncensored deep dive into all things functional fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Coach Jason Leydon, Ryan Bucciantini & the rest of the Conquer Team give you a place where you can learn, grow, and laugh.

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