Speed of Life Podcast

Episode 010 - Mickey Brueckner: Making the Most of the Off-Season Training Period

Episode 010 of the Speed of Life Podcast is heavily focus on the concept of off-season training for professional and collegiate athletes.  We discuss the off-season training process with Mickey Brueckner, a private trainer that provides training for high level clients that have to prepare – sometimes with very short time windows – for the physical demands of a long and intense competitive season.  With Mickey having a background as an athlete in baseball, he spends a lot of time working with athletes from this sport and catering to their unique needs in the off-season.  Given that he was been heavily involved in a high-velocity throwing sport, he has also had significant success with football quarterbacks, sought after as an off-season expert for these athletes for building both performance qualities and overall resiliency.  We discuss the complexities and challenges of preparing these highly skilled athletes for the demands of their sports, while also maintaining a successful business.   As a former collegiate athlete whose own athletic journey was altered by injury, Mickey's passion for athlete development began during his college years. Fueled by a desire to understand and elevate athletic performance, Mickey dedicated himself to mastering performance and development, establishing “The ANNEX” as a premier destination for both amateur and professional athletes in the New York/New Jersey region. For over almost 20 years, Mickey has honed his expertise, with a particular emphasis on performance enhancement and injury prevention for overhead throwing athletes. His dedication has yielded remarkable results, evidenced by the success of his clients at all levels of competition. Mickey's clientele boasts an impressive array of achievements, including two MLB First Round Draft Picks, a Cy Young Award Winner, a Super Bowl MVP, as well as World Series and Super Bowl Champions.     You can find out more information on Mickey Brueckner below:   Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/mickbrueckner/ [https://www.instagram.com/mickbrueckner/]   Website:          https://www.mickbrueckner.com/ [https://www.mickbrueckner.com/]     Audio versions of the "Speed of Life" Podcast are available below:   Spreaker https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415]   Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4]   Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235]   iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264 [https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264]   Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22] You can reach Derek Hansen at the following locations:   Websites http://www.SprintCoach.com [http://www.SprintCoach.com] https://www.runningmechanics.com/ [https://www.runningmechanics.com/] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/ [https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/] YouTube http://youtube.com/derekmhansen [http://youtube.com/derekmhansen] https://x.com/DerekMHansen Twitter/X https://x.com/DerekMHansen [https://x.com/DerekMHansen] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/]

Episode 009 - Thomson Remo: Using the Bicycle to Profile Power Output in Sports

In Episode 009 of the Speed of Life Podcast we are joined by Thomson Remo.  Given Thomson’s extensive background in the sport of cycling, we spend the first moments of the interview covering his early beginnings and development in both road cycling and track cycling.  This was followed by a deep dive by Thomson into the sport of powerlifting, where he also experienced significant success.  With all of this practical experience under his belt, Thomson combined his love for equipment and technology with his knowledge of training and strength and conditioning, helping companies maximize the contributions of their products.  Thomson discusses his involvement with sport teams in assessing power output using accessible stationary bike technology that is relatively safe, valid and reliable.  We discover that more teams are embracing his methods for this reason.   Thomson Remo is a Strength & Performance Specialist trusted by professional teams, universities, and performance facilities worldwide. He’s the Global Lead Educator for multiple industry-leading fitness equipment brands, and he developed testing protocols still used today by USA Cycling and the NHL Combine.  Thomson was also a former professional road and track cyclist with over 20 years of competition experience.  He has also participated at a high level in the sport of powerlifting, achieving two U.S. Powerlifting National Championship titles.  He has presented on high performance topics at the annual strength coach meetings held by the NHL, NBA and MLB.  Thomson’s approach is shaped by years of firsthand experience—on the bike, on the platform, and in the field.     You can find out more information on Thomson Remo below:   Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/coachthomsonremo [https://www.instagram.com/coachthomsonremo]   Website:          https://thomsonremo.com/ [https://thomsonremo.com/]     Audio versions of the "Speed of Life" Podcast are available below:   Spreaker https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415]   Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4]   Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235]   iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264 [https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264]   Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22] You can reach Derek Hansen at the following locations:   Websites http://www.SprintCoach.com [http://www.SprintCoach.com] https://www.runningmechanics.com/ [https://www.runningmechanics.com/] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/ [https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/] YouTube http://youtube.com/derekmhansen [http://youtube.com/derekmhansen] https://x.com/DerekMHansen Twitter/X https://x.com/DerekMHansen [https://x.com/DerekMHansen] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/]

Episode 008 - Erik Hernandez: The Challenges Facing the Modern College Strength Coach

Episode 008 of the Speed of Life Podcast covers a discussion on the state of US college strength and conditioning through the eyes of Olympic Sports strength coach, Erik Hernandez.  Coach Hernandez has spent the bulk of his career at the University of North Carolina, working primarily with lacrosse, golf and volleyball.  We discuss the changes that Erik has experienced over his tenure at UNC, as well as some important things that have remained consistent in the department as well as with his overall training philosophy.  While many institutions and major sports are experiencing a changing landscape of recruiting, transfers and athlete compensation, Coach Hernandez has managed to control the variables that he can control and provide the best culture, community and support for the athletes under his charge for the duration of their time in college sport.   Erik Hernandez joined the University of North Carolina Olympic Sports Strength and Conditioning staff in August of 2010.  A former UNC intern, Hernandez now serves as the Associate Director for Olympic Sports for the strength and conditioning department. He is responsible for the men’s lacrosse, men’s golf, women’s golf and volleyball teams.  In his time at Carolina he has had the opportunity to oversee several other teams including the women’s lacrosse team during their 2016 and 2022 NCAA Championship seasons.  Before Carolina, Hernandez was a graduate assistant strength coach at the University of Tulsa, working primarily with football and basketball.  Hernandez interned at Arizona State University and Niles North High School, along with serving as a student intern at Loyola University (Chicago).  A 2010 graduate of Loyola, Hernandez competed in the shot put for the track and field team and still holds the school record. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Loyola and his Masters of Education in training and development from N.C. State. Hernandez is CSCS certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and holds Titleist Performance Institute level 3 fitness certification as well.   You can find out more information on Erik Hernandez below:   Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/hernandezstrength/ [https://www.instagram.com/hernandezstrength/]   Website:          https://www.hernandezhealthandperformance.com/ [https://www.hernandezhealthandperformance.com/]     Audio versions of the "Speed of Life" Podcast are available below:   Spreaker https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415]   Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4]   Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235]   iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264 [https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264]   Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22]     You can reach Derek Hansen at the following locations:   Websites http://www.SprintCoach.com [http://www.SprintCoach.com] https://www.runningmechanics.com/ [https://www.runningmechanics.com/] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/ [https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/] YouTube http://youtube.com/derekmhansen [http://youtube.com/derekmhansen] https://x.com/DerekMHansen Twitter/X https://x.com/DerekMHansen [https://x.com/DerekMHansen] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/]

Episode 007 - Bill Parisi: From Developing Fast Athletes to Managing Fascia

In Episode 007 of the Speed of Life Podcast, we talk about everything from training, business development and managing fascia with Bill Parisi.  Bill has been a successful coach and entrepreneur from very early on in his life.  We talk about his athletic career as a very accomplished javelin thrower at the collegiate and international level and how that influenced his thoughts about ground reaction forces and athletic performance.  Bill pushed the limits once he finished his athletic career and applied it to his coaching business, building Parisi Speed School into one of the top performance brands in the world.  More recently, Bill has applied his knowledge and enthusiasm to fully understand the role of fascia in athletic performance and athlete health.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode in an effort to fully capture the accomplishments and knowledge of Coach Parisi.   Bill Parisi has served as a consultant and/or featured lecturer for several sports-related organizations, including the NFL, USA Football, Nike, Reebok, and numerous sports industry associations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).  In addition to speaking, writing, and consulting, Parisi has been featured on Fox Sports, ESPN, The Today Show, CNBC, ESPN the Magazine, Sporting News, The New York Times, U.S.A. Today, CBI, Men’s Health and Running magazine.  Parisi lives in Wyckoff, NJ with his wife and two sons. You can find out more information on Bill Parisi below:   Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/bill_parisi/ [https://www.instagram.com/bill_parisi/]                                              https://www.instagram.com/fasciatrainingofficial/ Website:          https://www.parisischool.com/ [https://www.parisischool.com/]   YouTube:        https://www.youtube.com/user/ParisiSpeedSchool1 [https://www.youtube.com/user/ParisiSpeedSchool1]     Audio versions of the "Speed of Life" Podcast are available below:   Spreaker https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415]   Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4]   Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235]   iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264 [https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264]   Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22]   You can reach Derek Hansen at the following locations:   Websites http://www.SprintCoach.com [http://www.SprintCoach.com] https://www.runningmechanics.com/ [https://www.runningmechanics.com/] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/ [https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/] YouTube http://youtube.com/derekmhansen [http://youtube.com/derekmhansen] https://x.com/DerekMHansen Twitter/X https://x.com/DerekMHansen [https://x.com/DerekMHansen] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/]

Episode 006 - Charlie Weingroff: Standards of Performance for the Professionals Supporting Athletes

In Episode 006 of the Speed of Life Podcast, we sit down with world-renowned rehabilitation and performance expert, Dr. Charlie Weingroff to discuss the world of elite athlete performance and rehabilitation.  Athletes are always held up to very high standards, whether it’s the rigorous physical testing and medical exams at the NFL Combine or the daily micro-analysis that takes place during and after games.  The microscope is even more focused on athletes with the growth of social media and hot takes.  However, are we holding those that support the athletes to as high a standard of evaluation and scrutiny?   There are hundreds of millions of dollars in ‘assets’ on the field or court on any given night and we expect the professional sport organizations to do whatever is necessary to elicit the highest levels of performance, while also preserving the health of these priceless athletes.  Do we have highly qualified doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, strength coaches, sports psychologists and nutrition specialists supporting these athletes?  A lot of it will depend on the personal standards set by each individual practitioner and their own self-governing rules around accountability and preparedness.  Expecting a team owner, general manager or head coach to adequately screen and evaluate all staff is a tall task.  We talk with Charlie about how he sets his own self-expectations around performance and results, navigating the sometimes chaotic environment of professional sports.   Dr. Charlie Weingroff is one of the most sought-after professionals world-wide in physical therapy and athletic performance. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Certified Athletic Trainer, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist who has worked with countless A-List celebrities, professional athletes, as well as the general population. Charlie is currently based the New York City Metropolitan area with multiple facilities in Manhattan, West Chester County, and southern and central Connecticut as well as multiple facilities in South Florida, headquartered at Foreront Golf and Fitness in Palm Beach Gardens. Charlie has been Physical Performance Lead and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Canadian Men’s National Basketball Team from 2011-2021. He often lectures overseas often, and his relationship with Beijing Yanding Trading Company has brought him through mainland China for the last 5 years. Previous roles Charlie has held have been Nike Executive Performance Council, Lead Physical Therapist for the United States Marine Corps Special Operations Command, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA, and Director of Athletic Development for the Roddick-Grunberg Tennis Academy. Charlie has consulted for teams in all major North American sports as well as Manchester United and Manchester City in the English Premiere League. You can find out more information on Charlie Weingroff below:   Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/chweingroff/ [https://www.instagram.com/chweingroff/]    Website:          https://charlieweingroff.com/ [https://charlieweingroff.com/]   YouTube:        https://www.youtube.com/@cwagon75 [https://www.youtube.com/@cwagon75]               Audio versions of the "Speed of Life" Podcast are available below:   Spreaker https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast--6893415]   Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4pKknVG2wNItjJedBbH3v4]   Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speed-of-life-podcast/id1882245235]   iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264 [https://iheart.com/podcast/325517264]   Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/99a1193a-a928-4134-86bd-27716ae49c22]     You can reach Derek Hansen at the following locations:   Websites http://www.SprintCoach.com [http://www.SprintCoach.com] https://www.runningmechanics.com/ [https://www.runningmechanics.com/] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/ [https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/] YouTube http://youtube.com/derekmhansen [http://youtube.com/derekmhansen] https://x.com/DerekMHansen Twitter/X https://x.com/DerekMHansen [https://x.com/DerekMHansen] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmhansen/]