S&C Chit Chat

James Burk
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  • Fitness

Welcome to the Strength & Conditioning Chit Chat Podcast — your go-to resource for real, unfiltered talk on the reality of strength and conditioning. Hosted by Coach James Burk, this podcast reboots for Season 3 with a brand-new direction. Moving past the intern days, we are shifting the focus to high-level program building, career transitions, and the actual execution of elite physical preparation. Kickstarting this season, our summer series dives deep into Summer Training & Starting at a New School. Whether you are stepping onto a brand-new campus, resetting your weight room culture, or optimization-mapping your summer blocks, each episode delivers practical strategies to help you hit the ground running from day one. Featuring heavy-hitting interviews with industry leaders and raw solo insights, this show offers the actionable advice you won't find in a textbook. Tune in for the growth, stay for the perspective. If you are interested in receiving the Human Performance Newsletter, here is the link: https://forms.gle/69VtRK69f7rjLEmr8

  1. Oct 21

    Hagen Little - Frenship High School

    In this episode, Coach Hagen Little joins James Burk to discuss strength and conditioning, athletic development, and career transitions across collegiate and high school levels. They dive into practical training strategies, including adapting deadlifts, managing powerlifting schedules, and introducing the 1x20 program for junior high athletes while emphasizing foundational movement and long-term athletic growth.

    Hagen Little - Frenship High School

  2. Oct 7

    Alex Fotioo - University of Central Arkansas

    In this episode of the S&C Chit Chat Podcast, host James Burk sits down with Coach Alexander Fotioo from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Coach Fotioo shares key insights on performance training methods, injury prevention strategies, and implementing balance training protocols. They also dive into velocity-based training (VBT), top-end speed drills, squat variations, and recommended strength and conditioning literature and podcasts for coaches and athletes alike.

    Alex Fotioo - University of Central Arkansas

  3. Sep 23

    Brant Bailey - Tarleton Football Strength and Conditioning

    In this episode of S&C Chit Chat, we sit down with Brant Bailey, Strength & Conditioning Coach at Tarleton State University, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of modern collegiate Strength and Conditioning. Coach Bailey shares insider insights on navigating Tarleton State's transition from NCAA Division II to the FCS level, modernizing weight room facilities, and implementing data-driven strength protocols to optimize player performance and durability. Key Topics Covered: Program Transition & Facility Upgrades: Transitioning to FCS, featuring Tarleton State's new 21-rack state-of-the-art facility and dedicated Texan fueling station.Staff Operations & Collaboration: S&C team structure, utilizing intern talent for nutrition guidance, and maintaining daily alignment with athletic training staff.Training Methodologies & Technology: Programming lower-body strength with Sorex belt squats, leveraging Perch velocity-based training (VBT), monitoring GPS player loads, and executing Thursday power sessions.Professional Resources: Top recommended podcasts for coaches, including The Dolce Diet, Les Spellman, and Mind Pump.Whether you are a strength & conditioning coach, athletic trainer, sports performance specialist, or student-athlete looking to elevate your training protocols, this episode is packed with actionable advice and practical industry knowledge. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and share this episode with your coaching staff!

    Brant Bailey - Tarleton Football Strength and Conditioning

  4. Sep 9

    Sean Herrin - Montana State

    This episode features a conversation with Sean, the head strength and conditioning coach at Montana State University. We dive into the philosophy of process-driven athletic training, how Sean manages player health and performance through techniques like Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR), and the importance of fostering a supportive community environment in college football. Key topics include: Career Trajectory: Sean shares insights from coaching across various levels, including time at Velocity Sports Performance, UCLA, and EXOS, and how those experiences shaped his current role at Montana State.Injury Prevention & In-Season Training: A look at how the team utilizes structured lifting schedules, body tempering, and "neuropit stops" to optimize player performance and physical health during a demanding season.Mental Toughness: Discussion on "stress inoculation" training—preparing athletes for high-pressure environments by simulating distractions and mental challenges in the weight room.Culture & Recruiting: How the program focuses on developing players as people, leveraging the Boseman community’s unique support system, and prioritizing the long-term growth of high school recruits.Whether you're a coach looking for actionable training resources or interested in the behind-the-scenes of collegiate strength and conditioning, this discussion offers practical takeaways on balancing high-level performance with athlete development.

    Sean Herrin - Montana State

  5. Aug 26

    Orie Sahlfeld - Akron Football

    In this episode, James Burk is joined by Orie Sahlfeld to break down the operational realities of collegiate strength and conditioning. Moving past generic programming, the conversation focuses on the "how" and "why" behind building a program that prioritizes long-term athlete development over short-term results. Key Topics Covered: Off-Season Methodology: A deep dive into the use of Triphasic training and Velocity Based Training (VBT) to reset movement quality, enforce squat depth, and manage intensity through data-driven cluster sets.Building Accountability: Insights into how to foster a player-led culture using tools like "Finish Fridays" and shared training responsibilities to move beyond ego-driven coaching.In-Season Management: Strategies for navigating the transition from summer into fall camp, including weekly training splits, reducing volume to preserve joint health, and managing the logistics of mid-week game schedules.The Human Side of Coaching: An honest discussion on the state of the industry, why coaching impact is often overvalued, and the necessity of focusing on the "human being" while simultaneously advocating for professional respect and compensation.Whether you are navigating staff dynamics or looking to refine your programming for different developmental stages, this episode provides a candid look at the challenges and rewards of the profession.

    Orie Sahlfeld - Akron Football

  6. Aug 19

    Doug Castleberry - Southlake Carroll HS

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Coach Doug Castleberry from Southlake Carroll on the realities of high school strength and conditioning. In this episode, Coach Castleberry shares his journey from navigating school firewalls to building a cohesive, safe, and technologically-integrated training environment. We dive into practical strategies for managing large athletic programs, including: Operational Success: How to effectively delegate sessions to assistant coaches and utilize digital tools like RackCoach to maintain programming integrity.Philosophy over Ego: The importance of tier-based programming and the "Training Max" approach to prioritize long-term athlete safety over ego-lifting.Technology Integration: Balancing VBT and GPS data without overwhelming staff or athletes with excessive analysis.Facility Upgrades: Using data and photographic evidence to secure necessary support and improvements for athlete safety.Whether you're a coach managing multiple teams or looking to streamline your weight room operations, this episode offers actionable advice on leadership, communication, and creating a culture of consistent intensity.

    Doug Castleberry - Southlake Carroll HS

  7. Aug 12

    Eric Cash - Dorman HS

    In this episode of the S&C Chit Chat Podcast, James Burk sits down with Dr. Eric Cash to explore the practical implementation of the Prilepin-Based Alternating Volume System (PAVS) and the integration of Velocity Based Training (VBT) in a large-scale high school athletic program. Dr. Cash details how he successfully manages strength and conditioning for 500 to 600 students daily through a tiered training framework, utilizing "Rack Coach" software and standardized movement protocols to maintain efficiency and safety. The conversation covers the transition from rigid programming to a flexible 10-week cycle, the philosophy of "training with intent," and strategies for building a competitive, high-culture environment in the weight room.

    Eric Cash - Dorman HS

  8. Aug 5

    Adam Vogel - Homewood-Flossmoor HS - Part 1

    In this episode of S&C Chit Chat, host James Burk discusses strength and conditioning methodologies and organizational strategies for high school athletic programs with Adam Vogel, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School. Key topics covered include: Training Readiness: Implementing self-myofascial release techniques, Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR), and neural resets to improve movement patterns and performance before training sessions.Velocity Based Training (VBT): Integrating VBT to optimize load assignment, tracking metrics to individualize exercise intensity, and adapting training for different skill levels.Program Organization: Strategies for managing large groups, including zone-based coaching, assigning staff autonomy, and organizing athletes by training age and movement demands.Athlete Motivation: Using key performance indicators and visual systems, such as colored silicone wristbands, to gate access to advanced training tools and drive engagement.Program Sustainability: Practical approaches to fundraising, including collecting annual maintenance fees, volunteering for events, and generating revenue through summer training programs to support equipment needs

    Adam Vogel - Homewood-Flossmoor HS - Part 1
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About

Welcome to the Strength & Conditioning Chit Chat Podcast — your go-to resource for real, unfiltered talk on the reality of strength and conditioning. Hosted by Coach James Burk, this podcast reboots for Season 3 with a brand-new direction. Moving past the intern days, we are shifting the focus to high-level program building, career transitions, and the actual execution of elite physical preparation. Kickstarting this season, our summer series dives deep into Summer Training & Starting at a New School. Whether you are stepping onto a brand-new campus, resetting your weight room culture, or optimization-mapping your summer blocks, each episode delivers practical strategies to help you hit the ground running from day one. Featuring heavy-hitting interviews with industry leaders and raw solo insights, this show offers the actionable advice you won't find in a textbook. Tune in for the growth, stay for the perspective. If you are interested in receiving the Human Performance Newsletter, here is the link: https://forms.gle/69VtRK69f7rjLEmr8

Information

  • Creator
    James Burk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    S&C Chit Chat

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