The Athletic Edge Podcast

Liam Evans
  • 5.0 (4)
  • FITNESS

The Athletic Edge Podcast is a show for strength & conditioning coaches who want to master the craft, build a sustainable career, and stay ahead of where the profession is going. Hosted by Liam Evans, each episode features conversations with coaches, performance specialists, and industry leaders on high-performance training, athletic development, business, and career strategy—delivering practical insights and real-world lessons you can apply throughout your coaching career.

  1. JAN 16

    #24 | Performance Therapy: Connecting Strength, Health, & Performance | Chris Guarin

    In this conversation, Liam Evans and Chris Guarin explore the complex definition of strength, emphasizing its multifaceted nature. They discuss how strength is not just about physical capability but also involves context, stability, mobility, and coordination. The dialogue highlights the importance of understanding strength in a broader sense, considering factors like timing and system coordination to prevent injuries and enhance performance. Chapters: Introduction and Background- 0:00:00Journey to Performance Therapy- 0:03:00Understanding Biomechanics and Neurology- 0:09:00Communication and Language in Therapy- 0:15:00Integrating Approaches for Performance- 0:21:00Challenges and Insights- 0:27:00Navigating Misinformation- 0:33:00Future of Performance Therapy- 0:39:00Links: IG: @chrisguarin_ Connect with me: IG: Follow @athleticedgepodcast for additional insights and content. Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes! Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts.  If you enjoyed the episode please consider subscribing to help out the channel!

    1h 4m

  2. 08/25/2025

    #23 | The Metrics That Matter In Athlete Development & Pro Sport with Tanner Care

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/ Summary In this conversation, Tanner Care, the director of performance for the BC Lions and Vancouver Bandits, shares his extensive journey in strength and conditioning. He discusses the importance of maximizing athletic potential, the transition from U Sports to NCAA, and the differences in training models. Tanner emphasizes the significance of individualization in training, long-term athletic development, and the evaluation processes for athlete readiness. He also highlights the importance of speed development, deceleration training, and the use of metrics to guide athlete development. Tanner concludes with insights on balancing professional and personal life as a coach. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tanner Care and His Journey 03:56 Transitioning from U Sports to NCAA: A Strength Coach's Perspective 11:10 Long-Term Athletic Development Philosophy 18:24 The Importance of Speed Development in Non-Track Athletes 24:00 Integrating Deceleration and Change of Direction Training 26:38 The Harmony of Skill and Physical Qualities 29:56 Metrics That Matter in Athletic Performance 34:42 Understanding Athlete Trends and Ecosystems 36:24 Navigating Athlete Buy-In and Health 39:34 Implementing Health-Focused Training 42:19 Game Day Preparation and Performance 45:34 Underappreciated Training Qualities in Experienced Athletes 47:45 Finding Balance in Professional Coaching Links: IG: @coach.care Connect with me: IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content. Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes! Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

    53 min

  3. 08/04/2025

    #22 | Building Stronger, Faster, Healthier Soccer Players with Malorie Henderlong

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/ Summary In this conversation, Malorie Henderlong, the women's soccer strength and conditioning coach at Auburn University, shares her journey into strength coaching, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with athletes and educating them about their training. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding strength and conditioning in soccer, the significance of individualized fitness programs, and the need for speed and acceleration training. Mallory also addresses the challenges of in-season training, the rising concern of ACL injuries in women's soccer, and the importance of preparing athletes for life after college. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the role of mental health and support in athlete development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Strength and Conditioning Coaching 06:39 Navigating Strength and Conditioning Misconceptions 12:12 Preseason Testing and Conditioning Strategies 18:18 Individualizing Fitness and Conditioning Programs 25:24 The Importance of Speed and Acceleration Training 30:28 Managing Athlete Load and Fatigue 36:17 Strength Training and Injury/ACL Prevention 47:04 Life After College Sports 57:15 Building Relationships with Athletes Links: IG: @malorie_henderlong Connect with me: IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content. Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes! Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

    1h 2m

  4. 07/28/2025

    #21 | Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses in Athlete Development with Josh Bray

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/ Summary In this conversation, Coach Josh Bray shares his journey in the coaching profession, detailing his experiences and insights into athlete development. He discusses the importance of off-season programming, evaluating athlete qualities, and balancing strengths and weaknesses. Josh emphasizes the significance of play in sports, the need for adaptability in coaching, and the lessons learned from elite athletes. The conversation highlights the fluid nature of coaching and the importance of creating an enjoyable environment for young athletes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coach Josh Bray 01:19 Josh Bray's Journey in Sports and Coaching 04:47 Day-to-Day Life as a Strength and Conditioning Coach 06:30 Key Considerations for Off-Season Programs 09:33 Understanding Athlete Qualities: Bucketing and Archetyping 15:37 Differentiating Between Muscular and Elastic Athletes 18:35 Programming for Different Sports and Athletes 21:46 Training Structure and Consistency 24:15 In-Season Programming and Adaptability 30:55 The Importance of Play and Movement Quality 36:40 The Role of Early Specialization in Youth Sports Links: IG: @jbraythecoach Connect with me: IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content. Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes! Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

    41 min

  5. 07/20/2025

    #20 | The Truth About Strength Training for Swimmers (And Why You Should Rethink It) With Jack Brown

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/ Summary In this conversation, Jack Brown, owner of AquaStrength Performance, shares his journey into strength and conditioning, particularly focusing on training young athletes, especially swimmers. He discusses the growth of his business, the importance of communication with athletes and parents, and the challenges of balancing training with other commitments. Jack emphasizes the significance of enjoyment in training, dispels common myths about strength training for swimmers, and outlines his training philosophy, including the use of isometric exercises and sprinting. The conversation highlights the need for a tailored approach to training that prioritizes athlete well-being and consistent effort over rigid periodization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jack Brown and AquaStrength Performance 02:49 Jack's Journey into Strength and Conditioning 05:40 The Growth of AquaStrength Performance 08:33 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth 11:28 Daily Operations and Training Structure 14:22 Balancing Training and Athlete Well-being 17:03 Adapting Training Models for Aquatic Athletes 20:16 The Importance of Enjoyment in Training 23:07 Volume vs. Quality in Swim Training 25:42 The Power of Enjoyment in Training 29:18 Understanding Athlete Fatigue and Recovery 33:38 Rethinking Periodization in Youth Swimmers 45:57 Debunking Misconceptions in Strength Training for Swimmers Links: IG: @aquastrengthperformance Connect with me: IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content. Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes! Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

    54 min

  6. 07/06/2025

    #19 | Foundational Exercises, Tissue Remodelling, and Smart Programming with Joe Aratari

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/ SummaryIn this conversation, strength coach Joe Aratari shares his extensive experience in coaching athletes of all levels, from youth to professional. He discusses the differences and similarities in training approaches, the importance of practical coaching in high school settings, and the integration of technology in strength training. Joe emphasizes the significance of monitoring athlete performance, the high-low training model, and essential exercises for young athletes. He also delves into the importance of recovery strategies, his philosophy on social media, and the structure of his online coaching programs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Background 02:44 Training Youth vs. College and Pro Athletes 05:10 Practical Coaching in High School Settings 07:52 Utilizing Technology in Training 11:45 Monitoring Athlete Performance 13:39 High-Low Training Model Explained 17:17 Concurrent Training for High School Athletes 20:56 Essential Exercises for Young Athletes 26:11 Building a Strong Foundation in Youth Training 27:28 The Importance of Tissue Remodeling and Recovery 29:54 Social Media's Role in Coaching and Athlete Development 35:08 Navigating Online Training and Coaching Models 44:44 Engagement and Community in Strength Training Links: IG: @joearatari X: @joearatari Connect with me: IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content. Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes! Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

    46 min

  7. 05/29/2025

    #18 | The Evolution of Youth S&C, Training Through the Growth Spurt, and the Importance of Strength with Rhodri Lloyd

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information Summary: In this conversation, Rhodri and I discuss the importance of strength and conditioning for young athletes, exploring Rhodri's journey in the field, the evolution of pediatric strength training, and the shift towards specialization in coaching. They emphasize the need for well-qualified coaches, the significance of movement quality, and the impact of growth spurts on training. The discussion also covers the YPD model versus the LTAD model, injury prevention strategies, and the necessity of sampling different sports for youth development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pediatric Strength and Conditioning 03:30 The Evolution of Youth Strength Training 06:32 Specialization vs. Generalization in Youth Sports 09:16 Qualifications for Youth Strength Coaches 11:59 The LTAD and YPD Models Explained 14:53 The Importance of Sampling in Youth Sports 17:51 Managing Early Specialization and Injury Prevention 20:22 Navigating Growth Spurts in Young Athletes 27:04 Understanding Growth Spurts in Young Athletes 30:50 Psychosocial Factors in Youth Training 34:50 The Importance of Strength in Development 39:14 Movement Quality and Injury Risk 45:27 Assessing Movement and Strength in Youth Links: Rhodri Lloyd: https://pure.cardiffmet.ac.uk/en/persons/rhodri-lloyd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhodri-s-lloyd-9861a832/ Connect with me: IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content. Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes! Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

    49 min

  8. 02/03/2025

    #17 | Effective Training Strategies for Young Athletes with Kevin Carr

    Summary: In this conversation, Kevin Carr shares his extensive experience as a strength and conditioning coach, focusing on the development of young athletes. He discusses the importance of general physical development, setting standards for training, and the need for effective communication with both athletes and their parents. Kevin emphasizes the significance of plyometric progressions, managing training volume, and the long-term benefits of instilling a love for exercise in young athletes. Chapters Training Young Athletes: Goals and Approaches Managing Overconfident Young Athletes Movement Screens and Exercise Selection Strength Training Progression for Youth Bilateral vs. Unilateral Training: Finding Balance Adapting Training During Growth Spurts Plyometric Training: From Landing to Elasticity Advanced Techniques: Incorporating Depth Drops Managing Training Volume for In-Season Athletes Conditioning: Timing and Implementation The Benefits of Low Volume Training Evolution of Training Practices at MBSC Underrated Exercises for Young Athletes Links: IG: @kev_in_carr Connect with me: IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content. Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes! Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

    47 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Athletic Edge Podcast is a show for strength & conditioning coaches who want to master the craft, build a sustainable career, and stay ahead of where the profession is going. Hosted by Liam Evans, each episode features conversations with coaches, performance specialists, and industry leaders on high-performance training, athletic development, business, and career strategy—delivering practical insights and real-world lessons you can apply throughout your coaching career.

Information

  • Creator
    Liam Evans
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Liam Evans