The Starting Block Podcast

John Nelson & Chris Scarborough
  • 4.9 (12)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

At The Starting Block Podcast, we want to give you, THE ATHLETE, THE COACH & THE PARENT the tools to WIN both on and off the field. Our team brings over 65+ years of combined experience in Athletics, Fitness and Sports Medicine. Our mission is to help you win and build our communities by passing on our knowledge & experiences, as well as that of our colleagues across the world. Our areas of expertise include: strength training, rehabilitation from injuries, power & speed development, nutrition as well as the mental/spiritual side of athletics.

  1. FEB 4

    Ep. 124: Guest Interview - Elijah Holyfield & David Buer

    In this Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome back Elijah Holyfield and David Buer to discuss athletic development, the transition from football to WWE, and the importance of isometric training. They explore the misconceptions surrounding strength training, the role of the nervous system, and the need for discipline and proper execution in training. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding the true purpose of training and the importance of being prepared for athletic challenges. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Starting Block Podcast 02:15 Elijah's Transition to WWE 05:13 The Rise of Isometric Training 10:23 Understanding Strength Beyond Numbers 15:18 The Importance of Proper Execution 20:16 Communicating Training Concepts to Young Athletes 29:53 The Evolution of Measurement in Sports Training 33:08 Understanding Nervous System Training 36:04 The Importance of Signal Clarity 40:20 The Role of Discipline in Athletic Training 45:02 Attention to Detail in High-Level Performance 51:16 The Cost of Compromise in Training 57:09 The Path to Mastery and Preparedness

    1h 3m

  2. JAN 16

    Ep. 123: Guest Interview: Kayla Girgen, Author of "Ruck Fit"

    In this guest interview, John and Chris welcome dietician, personal trainer and author, Kayla Girgen. Kayla joins the show to discuss her new book, "Ruck Fit" as well as share her journey from the corporate world to the fitness industry and more. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 02:35 Guest Introduction: Kayla Girgen and Her Journey 06:12 Nutrition Insights and the Role of Registered Dietitians 12:04 Understanding Blood Sugar Management 19:58 Exploring Rucking: Benefits and Community Engagement 27:19 The Rise of Rucking and 75 Hard 28:32 Walking as Exercise: Debating Its Value 31:03 Progressing in Rucking: Weight and Challenge 33:55 Rucking Mechanics: Posture and Weight Management 36:13 Rucking for Athletes: Building Endurance 38:13 Rucking as a Gateway to Strength Training 40:16 Incorporating Strength Exercises into Rucking 41:25 Choosing Between a Backpack and Weighted Vest 47:00 Getting Started with Rucking: Tips and Resources Preorder Ruck Fit on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ggD4Ip  Follow Kayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylagirgenrd/  Sign up for Kayla's free weekly newsletter: https://wintheweek.gr8.com/ Kayla's go-to rucking set-up: GORUCK Rucker 4.0 & weight plates

    51 min

  3. 11/21/2025

    Ep. 122: Q&A - Water Training & How Isometrics Can Influence Speed

    In this week's Q&A, John and Chris discuss the use of training with water based tools, how isometric lunges impact speed and protein supplementation. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Starting Block Podcast 02:58 Athlete Development and Training Insights 06:09 The Importance of Female Athlete Training 08:03 Evaluating Training Tools: Water-Filled Balls 19:55 Iso-Extreme Lunges and Sprinting Speed 29:39 Nutrition and Protein Recommendations

    35 min

  4. 10/30/2025

    Ep. 121: Guest Interview - Coach Anthony Cellitti

    In this weeks Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome Coach Anthony Cellitti to the show. The guys discuss various topics, including the importance of building relationships with athletes, the effectiveness of the 1x20 training system, and the challenges associated with training athletes in todays society due to the influence of social media and more. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 03:06 Guest Introduction: Coach Anthony Saletti 05:59 Anthony's Coaching Journey and Philosophy 08:52 Ideal Athlete Qualities and Training Dynamics 11:51 Training Methodologies: The 1x20 System Explained 14:52 Practical Application of the 1x20 System 17:56 Challenges in Convincing Athletes to Train Differently 20:58 Bastardized Training Programs: Lessons Learned 24:31 Exploring Training Techniques and Recovery 30:12 The Challenge of Convincing Young Athletes 35:57 Building Relationships and Communication with Athletes 37:17 Innovations in Training Tools and Techniques

    46 min

  5. 10/09/2025

    Ep. 120: Q & A - Leg Drive, Hamstring Issues, Enhanced Recovery

    In this week's Q & A John and Chris dive into the importance of leg power in pitching, the role of blood flow in enhancing recovery & recurring hamstring injuries. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast 02:43 Understanding Athletic Development and Training Methods 05:17 The Importance of Leg Power in Pitching 11:24 Mechanics and Variability in Athletic Performance 16:56 The Role of Blood Flow in Performance and Recovery 20:36 Addressing Recurring Hamstring Injuries

    31 min

  6. 09/26/2025

    Ep. 119: Q & A - The Importance of Structured Training

    In this weeks episode, hosts John Nelson and Chris Scarborough reconnect after a summer break to discuss their training experiences and their summer of coaching athletes. They delve into the importance of evaluating fitness content on social media, identifying effective training methods, and the significance of structured programs in athletic development. The conversation emphasizes the need for coaches to communicate clearly and monitor key performance indicators to ensure athletes' long-term success. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Show Overview 05:00 Summer Updates and Training Insights 14:05 Evaluating Fitness Content on Social Media 17:08 Evaluating Athletic Training Techniques 20:01 The Importance of Structured Coaching 22:22 The Role of Repetition in Training 24:43 Balancing Entertainment and Effectiveness in Coaching 25:34 Monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 30:25 Understanding Progression in Athletic Training

    38 min

  7. 08/05/2025

    Ep. 118: Athlete Spotlight - Drake Meeks, Pitcher - Southern Miss

    In Athlete Spotlight episode, John and Chris welcome Drake Meeks, a talented pitcher from the University of Southern Mississippi. They discuss Drake's journey from a youth baseball player to eventual collegiate athlete. Topics include: the importance of body control in pitching, and the mental toughness required to succeed. Drake also shares his experiences with injury and recovery, including his Tommy John surgery, and emphasizes the significance of training and preparation. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for aspiring athletes and insights into the competitive nature of college baseball. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

    53 min

  8. 07/10/2025

    Ep. 117: The Achilles Tendon Epidemic

    In this episode, John and Chris discuss the multifaceted nature of athletic injuries, particularly focusing on the recent surge in Achilles tendon injuries in professional sports. They explore various factors contributing to these injuries, including training methods, the impact of modern technology and light exposure, and potential links to COVID-19 vaccinations. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to athlete health and injury prevention, urging coaches and trainers to consider all aspects of an athlete's environment and lifestyle. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show* Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Athletic Development 00:34 The Achilles Tendon Controversy 13:42 The Impact of Blue Light on Injuries 29:21 Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine and Musculoskeletal Disorders

    36 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

At The Starting Block Podcast, we want to give you, THE ATHLETE, THE COACH & THE PARENT the tools to WIN both on and off the field. Our team brings over 65+ years of combined experience in Athletics, Fitness and Sports Medicine. Our mission is to help you win and build our communities by passing on our knowledge & experiences, as well as that of our colleagues across the world. Our areas of expertise include: strength training, rehabilitation from injuries, power & speed development, nutrition as well as the mental/spiritual side of athletics.

Information

  • Creator
    John Nelson & Chris Scarborough
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 John Nelson & Chris Scarborough
  • Show Website
    The Starting Block Podcast