The Podium

In this episode of The Podium, Dr. Kevin Sprouse is joined by performance dietitian Beth Schwartz to explore one of the most foundational and often overlooked elements of performance, hydration. With experience working across NCAA sports and now with the Chicago Cubs, Beth brings practical, real-world insights to help athletes optimize fluid intake for better training, recovery, and sleep. Together, they unpack simple and science-backed strategies for tracking hydration using body weight, urine color, and sodium loss. They also break down the roles of electrolytes, carbohydrates, and sweat composition — especially in hot or high-stakes environments — and how to build a sustainable hydration routine that supports long-term performance. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, this episode offers actionable advice to help you stay sharp, strong, and well-fueled every day.

In this episode of The Podium Podcast, Dr. Kevin Sprouse and Patrick Morris break down the science of recovery and share strategies for optimizing your performance. They introduce a recovery pyramid, starting with foundational elements like proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and active warm-downs. They explore more advanced recovery techniques like massage and red light therapy, with the explicit warning that these methods are most effective when the basics are in place. Dr. Sprouse and Patrick also discuss the importance of balancing rest and recovery, because after all, there is no need to overcomplicate your recovery process. Tune in for actionable tips that will help you recover smarter and perform better.

As cold and flu season hits, maintaining your health and performance becomes even more crucial. In this episode of The Podium Podcast, Dr. Kevin Sprouse and Patrick Morris discuss practical strategies for athletes and high performers to stay healthy during the winter months. They cover the importance of hygiene, nutrition, rest, and sleep in boosting immunity. You'll also learn the impact of intense training on immune function and how athletes can prevent complications like myocarditis by prioritizing rest when ill. Tune in for key tips on maintaining your health and performance, even during the height of cold and flu season.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is becoming an essential metric for athletes and high performers looking to optimize their training and recovery. In this episode of The Podium Podcast, Dr. Kevin Sprouse and Patrick Morris break down what HRV is, how it works, and why it’s important. They discuss how HRV reflects the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and how it can help track recovery and stress levels. Dr. Sprouse and Patrick explore factors that impact HRV, including sleep, nutrition, hydration, and stress, and emphasizes the importance of long-term trends rather than day-to-day measurements. Tune in to learn how you can use HRV to guide your training decisions and improve your overall performance.

What role do orthobiologics play in recovery? Dr. Kevin Sprouse sits down with Dr. Kendra Kemmet, director of the Sports Medicine fellowship program at the University of TN, to discuss orthobiologics, focusing on PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and stem cells. Dr. Kemmet explains the mechanisms behind PRP and stem cells and how they are used to accelerate healing, along with the evolution and clinical applications of these therapies in treating tendon and cartilage injuries. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, combining orthobiologics with proper nutrition, sleep, physical therapy, and rest. Dr. Kemmet and Dr. Sprouse also address the limitations, risks, and ethical considerations of orthobiologics, offering insights on when these treatments may be appropriate. Tune in to learn more about these cutting-edge therapies and their role in optimizing recovery.