The Layback Podcast

The Layback Episode is back for episode 123 with Chase Herrell, right handed pitcher for the University of Southern California Trojans. The hurler from Cincinnati, OH threw in a Nick Martinez-esque role for USC, logging innings as a bridge reliever, starter and even closer. Herrell discusses his continued development as a pitcher, overcoming injury through aggressive, yet creative rehab approaches, and transferring schools. The rising redshirt junior also discusses the highs and lows of the regionals and supers.

George Zirkel, Unlimited Academy's Managing Director of Baseball, joins the Layback Podcast for episode 122. Zirkel's passions lie in player and human development, as he and Unlimited look to create long-term performance development plans for their athletes and work to help them become the best people possible as well. Recently taking the dive into mental skills training, Zirkel incorporates mental skills days as a key part of his program structure and has seen massive benefits with his athletes so far. Zirkel has also been influential in the return to throw / performance space, working as a champion for objectively guided programs.

Adam Moreau is solo again as he is explores an issue he sees all too commonly in the player development world—tracking data does not automatically lead to player development. Many coaches, facilities, and teams preach data-driven development, but they never use the data they are collecting to influence decision-making or athlete programming. In episode 121 of The Layback Podcast, learn how FlexPro Grip relies on data to influence an athlete's development plan.

Cam Dietz, Head Strength Coach for University of Cincinnati Baseball, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 120. After a quick conversation on the local cuisine of southwestern Ohio, Adam and Cam dive deep on navigating the college baseball training schedule, long term athletic development, and the purpose of a strength and conditioning program. The Colorado native also shares a look at how the Bearcats staff collaborates to support their athletes. Adam and Cam cover the roles S&C and social media play in the modern age of recruiting.

Episode 119 of The Layback Podcast features Texas Christian University's Assistant Director of Human Performance, Anthony Adams. Adams assists renowned S&C coach Zach Dechant with the Horned Frogs baseball program, while also serving as the head coach for women's tennis. The PNW native played baseball collegiately at Pacific Lutheran University, while simultaneously beginning his career as a strength coach. The conversation revolves around motor learning, movement exploration, program design, and the role of performance training in collegiate athletics.

Adam Moreau handles episode 118 of The Layback Podcast solo to present a valuable athlete case study. This specific story showcases the butterfly effect that occurs with small changes elsewhere in the system, creating a call to action in the workload space.

Emily McFerran, formerly Emily Ferree, owner of Rival PT Lab in Irvine, CA, stops in once again on The Layback Podcast (episode 117). The bulk of the discussion centers around Emily's case management, boutique-style care, and treating the person, not just the athlete. Additionally, we take a look at Emily's unique relationship dynamics with professional organizations as a personal PT.

Dr. Matt Fury, orthopaedic surgeon with the Louisiana State University, returns to The Layback Podcast for episode 116, this time to discuss the hot in the streets "nanoscope" procedure (think Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell), FEVER view MRI's, arthrograms, and hybrid UCL reconstruction. At the cutting edge (pun mildly intended) of sports medicine, Dr. Fury offers insights on where the field is headed.

Cian Hamell-Kelleher, recent graduate of Stonehill College where he served as student assistant with the baseball program, joins episode 115 of The Layback Podcast to discuss his senior project, THROW. THROW is an app designed as a workload monitoring tool for pitchers with additional recovery, arm care, and pitching development features. After building and testing the app on himself and a few friends this past spring, he is looking to scale THROW in his role Pitching Development Coach role with the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. This will be Cian's second season in the role. Follow along with Cian's journey via instagram: @kelleher_pitching.

The Layback Podcast (episode 114) welcomes Detroit's very own, Joe Neal. Neal is a strength coach (CSCS*D), as well as CEO and Founder of 2sp Sports in Southeast Michigan. Conversation revolves around Joe's journey into the space, long term athletic development (especially for youth athletes), connections between hockey and baseball, and career advancement. Joe's unique experience shines through as he shares stories from across his career, highlighting athlete success and cutting edge programming decisions.

Tom Brosnahan, student of physical therapy and Head of Sports Performance at Alpha Baseball in Cincinnati, OH, headlines episode 113 of The Layback Podcast. The conversation centers around long term athletic development, expectations for PT school, and performance and programming considerations. Tom and Adam share some takes on industry standards and question why things are the way they are. Themes of exploration and experimentation ring through the episode.

Nick Katz of Lawrence University in Appleton, WI joins The Layback Podcast (episode 112) for a groundbreaking episode. As a senior capstone project, Katz elected to study the widely-utilized, but never before researched, "impulse" training style. The left-handed hurler's study examined the effects of both impulse training of pronation and supination of the forearm and offered comparison against more traditional pronation / supination yielding isometric holds with dumbbells. The relatively small, short trial should stir up a good bit of questions in the industry and pave a path for future research on the topic. Katz will look to finish out his senior year on the bump for the Vikings, prior to heading back to Silicon Valley to work at Kinetic Performance Institute and pursue publication of his seminal work.

Joshua Landry, left handed pitcher at Hope International University, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 111. The college baseball vet discusses the long and winding road through his collegiate baseball career, that he hope will end with a dogpile in Lewiston, ID. The 2024 NAIA national champion, shares a look into to team dynamics, friendly competition, development, and TJ rehab. The episode is full of laughs and some pretty comical story telling.

Physical Therapist with Driveline Baseball and founder of Athletic Potential PT, Dylan Newcomer, joins The Layback Podcast (episode 110). This "state of the union" type of episode has Adam and Dylan sharing their impression of the current baseball rehab landscape. The two discuss signs of improvement, the influence of power players, and why the rehab space may continue to lag as training and development continue to revolutionize.

Lindenwood University's Danny Sheehan joins episode 109 of The Layback Podcast to discuss his role as Head Strength Coach for both baseball and men's/women's rugby. Sheehan offers insights into force plate testing, training and programming similarities/differences amongst the sports, and seasonal considerations. Sheehan shares a vulnerable moment regarding a bombed interview before eventually landing a spot in pro ball with the Brewers, showcasing the need for constant growth and confidence in the space. Stick around for some hot takes about rugby (from two guys unqualified to offer takes on rugby) at the end of the episode.

Briggs Rutter, MLBPA certified agent and Director of Amateur Services for the MAS Agency, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 108. The Tennessee native details his journey into the sports agency world. Including a background as a college baseball player and time spent working in a collegiate athletic department, Briggs brings a well-rounded skillset to the ever-evolving world of amateur athletics. With a detailed discussion on NIL and youth talent acquisition, our discussion showcases just how much the scouting, marketing and sports agency worlds have changed.

Former Cincinnati Reds minor leaguer turned doctor of physical therapy and entrepreneur, Brian Hunter, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 107. Upon retirement from baseball in 2018, Hunter returned to University of Hartford, his alma mater, to complete PT school. Later, he went on to open Hex PTP in Columbia, MD where he treats mostly baseball athletes, as well as your fair share of weekend warriors and longevity clients. The former RHP discusses his playing career (including his own TJ), PT school, athlete treatment, and even a deep dive on peptides. We promise, the peptide story is a must listen for all.

Host of The Layback Podcast, Adam Moreau, reflects on the past 12 months our 2nd anniversary episode. Episode 106 offers a short trip down memory lane highlighting some key moments and episodes from the year that was for both FlexPro Grip and the podcast itself. We also get a sneak peak at two yet to be aired episodes and possible plans for the future.

Indiana University's Tony Neubeck shares his inspiring journey through college baseball, overcoming UCL injuries, and returning to pitch for the crimson and cream. Through a tumultuous career at Missouri due to not one, but two elbow surgeries, the lefty's career was going nowhere close to expectation. After a grueling path back to the bump, the Minnesota native has found his stride in Bloomington now as a 5th year. Neubeck offers a look into his rehab, mental state, and personal development throughout the episode.

Lindenwood University left handed pitcher, Aaron "AJ" Jungers joins The Layback Podcast for episode 104. Host Adam Moreau and AJ take a detailed walk through his injury and rehab, as this curious case marked a monumental shift in FlexPro Grip's short history. AJ also shares a look into his evolution as an athlete and college baseball, disclosing high hopes for the 2026 season both personally and for the LU Lions. Through just a few games, AJ has put up stellar numbers showing why rehab is about return to performance, not just return to play.

Episode 103 of The Layback Podcast features Gavin Bruni, a left-handed pitcher in the Washington Nationals organization. The Northeast Ohio native and Ohio State Buckeye shares his journey through college baseball, his innovative off-season training methods, injury recovery, and insights into pitching strategy. Bruni uncovers how his data-driven approach and mental resilience are shaping his path to success in professional baseball.

Episode 102 of The Layback Podcast bridges into new territories of the baseball world with Jake Mintz of Yahoo Sports - the "unlikable" half of Cespedes Family BBQ / Baseball Bar-B-Cast. Mintz shares his journey from a baseball-obsessed middle schooler, to a struggling college baseball player, only find stardom as a prominent voice and pen in baseball media. He discusses he and his partner-in-crime,Jordan Shusterman's rise in baseball media through logging hours on the road, commitment to the craft and building relationships. Mintz emphasizes the balance between entertainment and insight in sports journalism and explores the trends shaping the future of baseball, including the introduction of ABS technology and the democratization of information in player development.

Right handed pitcher Chris Domke joins the 101st episode of The Layback Podcast shares his journey as a baseball player, detailing his experiences from high school to Youngstown State University, and now at Ohio State University. He discusses the challenges he faced with the transition to college baseball, experiencing injury, and the mental aspects of recovery and performance. Chris emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and the positive culture within the Ohio State baseball team as they prepare for the upcoming season. His story is one of resilience, growth, and determination to succeed both on and off the field.

The 100th episode of The Layback Podcast welcomes Brice Crider, the High Performance Coordinator at Driveline Baseball. The former collegiate pitcher, turned javelin thrower discusses the evolution of the high performance training industry, emphasizing the importance of integrating various training methods and the role of feedback loops in decision making. He explores the balance between general and specific training, the significance of movement variability, and the application of the Lindy Principle in training practices. Brice also highlights the importance of understanding axial loading for throwers and the need for progressive overload in athlete development. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of high performance training and the democratization of sports science for all athletes.

Episode 99 of The Layback Podcast welcomes Chloe Walker as she shares her journey from a high school student looking for something to do, to her current role as the Director of Pitching Development and Baseball Operations at Gardner Webb University. Chloe shares her passion for baseball analytics and massive personal growth she has experienced thus far in her short career. She discusses the importance of data interpretation in player development, the challenges of overcoming skepticism towards analytics, and the balance between team success and individual player development. Chloe also reflects on her transition from professional baseball (New York Mets / Baltimore Orioles organizations) to college coaching, the baseline needs of building an analytics department on a budget, and the significance of curiosity and problem-solving in the field. The conversation concludes with insights into the differences between pro and college baseball, and a light-hearted moment about her beloved shelter dog, Lucy.

Denton Sagerman, Assistant Coach for the University of Indiana Hoosiers baseball program, steps in for episode 98 of The Layback Podcast. His unique role on staff includes heading up player development, assisting the pitching staff, overseeing the catchers, and working deeply on scouting and analytics. Given Sagerman's background in aerospace engineering, naturally the conversation goes a mile deep on pitch design, arsenal creation, and ball flight. Later in the show, conversation spans into the rehab and development realms, discussing the individual characteristics and needs that must to be considered in throwing programs. Capping things off, Sagerman outlines IU's high hopes for the upcoming 2026 season addresses the departure of Dustin Glant and recent hire of Matt Myers.

Layback host, Adam Moreau, runs through a few points from the Nextbase presentation at the 2025 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar that needed some special attention. Two specific topics got the most love in the episode - the supposed second valgus load of the elbow, or ghost torque, and the lower moment of inertia (MOI) ball for spin development and training. These two topics are both novel and unique, thus they deserved their own dedicated time.

The Layback Podcast (episode 96) once again welcomes back Josh Hejka for a part 2 of discussing insights and takeaways from the 2025 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar. This year's topics included a significant focus on biomechanics, feedback loops, problem definition, decision-making criteria, and performance data. Hejka and host, Adam Moreau, provide look back at the first half of the seminar and provide a comprehensive overview of the modern player development strategies discussed at the seminar, while offering some banter and opinions along the way.

The Layback Podcast (episode 95) welcomes back Josh Hejka to discuss insights and takeaways from the 2025 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar. This year's topics included a significant focus on biomechanics, feedback loops, problem definition, decision-making criteria, and performance data. Hejka and host, Adam Moreau, provide look back at the first half of the seminar and provide a comprehensive overview of the modern player development strategies discussed at the seminar, while offering some banter and opinions along the way.

The Layback Podcast presents a panel discussion including Layback alumni and pro pitchers Josh Hejka (free agent), Aiden May (Marlins), and Dawson Netz (Cubs), as well as Wake Forest Friday night arm, Blake Morningstar. The conversation positions players with the power, as they share with coaches/professionals in the industry about what data means to them, how they want to be approached, and how they can be empowered in the development process. The guys discuss the application and adoption of FlexPro Grip, a device aimed at reducing UCL injuries in baseball players. The panel discusses the importance of player experiences, the role of data in training, and the necessity of building trust between players and coaches. They emphasize individualized training approaches while balancing the need for a global understanding of player development. The panel also highlights the significance of collaboration in the development process and the importance of making information accessible to players for their growth and success.

Anthony Casciola, founder of Casciola Performance and "the labrum isn't real" movement, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 93. The conversation delves into the critical aspects of athlete recovery post-surgery, emphasizing the importance of confidence and communication between athletes and their support teams. It highlights the challenges in measuring an athlete's confidence, going beyond what we can objectively track and addresses the necessity for open dialogue to ensure a successful recovery process. Of course, we talked about Casciola's love for memes as well.

The Layback Podcast (episode 92), features Hayden Lewis, a senior right-handed pitcher with University of Washington. Lewis shares his journey as a college baseball pitcher, discussing his experiences at various universities (University Arizona, and New Mexico State prior to Washington), overcoming injuries, and the mental resilience required in sport. He delves into the differences in his rehab processes across his two elbow surgeries, his development journey, and the importance of strength training and movement patterns. Hayden also sheds light on how his love of golf has led to some breakthroughs with his mental game. Although his role with the Huskies in the 2026 season is undefined, Hayden remains determined to make the most of his final year of college ball.

The Layback Podcast welcomes Ezra Bye, the Director of Player Development and Pitching Lab Coordinator at Wake Forest University, as he shares his journey from being a D2 player to a college baseball coach with a few pro ball stops in between. He discusses the importance of player development, the continuum of rehab and performance, and the role of data and technology in modern coaching. Ezra also highlights the upcoming Wake Forest Player Development Seminar, emphasizing the value of networking and knowledge sharing among baseball's thought leaders.

Adam Moreau is running things solo on The Layback Podcast for this Thanksgiving episode (episode 90) to discuss the current state of FlexPro Grip, upcoming athlete interviews, and the company's growth within Major League Baseball organizations. The conversation delves into the introduction of dynamic programming for in-season training, the importance of maintenance versus development, and the new weekly protocol schedule feature in the FlexPro Grip app.

Dawson Netz, a right-handed pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization, shares his journey from being a standout high school player, to navigating injuries at the University of Arizona, and eventually getting a crack at pro ball in episode 89 of The Layback Podcast. He discusses the importance of analytics in pitching development, the mental challenges athletes face, and the significance of building trust with coaches and players. Dawson also reflects on his brief transition to coaching and its direct impact on his own player development, the Cubs' approach to high performance, and the future of baseball analytics. His story is one of resilience, learning, and the drive to help others succeed in the sport.

Dr. Mike Sonne, Pitching Scientist for the Chicago Cubs, shares his journey from academia to the world of baseball in episode 88 of The Layback Podcast. He discusses his background in ergonomics, the development of ProPlay AI, and the importance of workload tracking in player performance. Dr. Sonne emphasizes the need for innovative training approaches and effective communication within sports teams. Sonne sings the praises of the Cubs organization in their ability to create player in the development process. He also highlights the significance of inclusivity in sports through his work with the Steel City Inclusive Softball Association, and shares his aspirations for the future of baseball and player development.

Episode 87 of The Layback Podcast features physical therapist Jason Modafari as he shares his journey into the world of sports rehabilitation, discussing his transition to the Athletic Potential team, manning the post at Driveline Tampa. He delves into the challenges of burnout in traditional physical therapy settings, the benefits of cash-based therapy, and innovative approaches to athlete rehabilitation. Jason emphasizes the importance of integrating strength training with physical therapy, utilizing technology for objective measurements, and even offers a look into his nuanced application bodybuilding principles to enhance athletic performance. He also highlights the significance of workload management in rehabilitation and expresses excitement for the upcoming offseason, where he aims to help athletes in a manner that he has always dreamed of.

This webinar focuses on the development of Baseball Rehab Network's new evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines for athletes recovering from UCL injuries. Daryl Moreau, Dylan Newcomer, Gunnar Brolinson, and Matt Fury discuss the need for updated protocols, the importance of individualized rehab plans, and the role of various metrics in assessing readiness to return to play. Key themes include the significance of forearm strength, workload management, and the psychological aspects of recovery. The discussion emphasizes a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that prioritizes performance and injury prevention, especially for pitchers.

For The Layback Podcast's episode 85, Adam welcomes back physical therapist Nolan Rappe. The two talk about his transition to Premier Pitching Performance and the innovative approaches they are taking in athlete development. They delve into the evolution of the Fortify and Boost platforms and the importance of tracking athlete performance. The crux of the episode surrounds the spectrum of training dosages and prescriptions with particular mind to neurology and physiology in training. The discussion includes thoughts on general physical preparedness, the role of assessments, and the future of UCL rehab protocols, emphasizing the need for objectivity and comprehensive strategies in athlete care. Witness Adam and Nolan's work on display in Baseball Rehab Network's newly designed UCL rehab protocols - Redefining UCL Rehab: Data-Driven Guidelines from Surgery to Competition.

The Layback Podcast is back for episode 84 with Don Day, the owner of Hog Performance. Don shares his unique journey from football to baseball training and shows the massive undertaking of learning this journey required. "The Warthog," as he is affectionately known, discusses his innovative training methods, including conjugate training, and emphasizes the importance of assessments to tailor personalized programs for peak athlete development. He also reflects on his experiences in Japan, where he provided coaching insights to a premier facility. The conversation highlights Don's commitment to his athletes and his vision for the future of Hog Performance.

Josh Davis, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of TriStar Strength and Rehab joins the conversation for episode 83 of The Layback Podcast. Adam and Josh discuss the gaps in physical therapy education, the importance of individualized care, and the role of communication in translating data into actionable insights for athletes. Josh also shares his thoughts on the need for youth athletes to engage in multiple sports to prevent overuse injuries. Additionally, he expresses how the FlexPro Grip device has enhanced both training and athlete care in his clinic. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the athlete as a person, not just their injuries, and the evolving landscape of sports science and rehabilitation.

In episode 82 of The Layback Podcast, host Adam Moreau interviews Mike Grady of Grady's Pitching School, a seasoned pitching coach with over 20 years of experience and former pro pitcher. The two discuss the evolution of player development, the integration of AI in coaching, and the importance of assessments and training plans. Mike shares insights on managing athlete workloads, the significance of recovery, and the collaborative approach to coaching. He emphasizes the impact of belief in athletes and the continuous learning process in coaching. The conversation also touches on Grady Pitching School's VIP program and multi-sport participation for young athletes.

In episode 81 of The Layback Podcast, professional pitcher Matt Swilley shares his extensive journey through professional baseball, discussing the challenges he faced, including injuries, the yips, and the balance between his career and family life. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right opportunities, the mental aspects of the game, and his passion for coaching. Swilley reflects on his experiences across all levels — the minors, Indy ball, international leagues — and his aspirations for the future, particularly in balancing his baseball career with being a devoted husband and father.

Episode 80 of The Layback Podcast has host and FlexPro Grip co-founder, Adam Moreau, running solo as he shares his personal reflections on balancing fatherhood and work responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to feel productive even in challenging times. He discusses practical strategies like making lists to enhance productivity, or even just the feeling of productivity, and the significance of communication and support from others. The episode serves as a reminder to prioritize what truly matters and to seek help when needed.

Max Bain, Director of Pitching at 3PD Performance, shares his journey from an out of shape division II pitcher to professional baseball, discussing the importance of training, overcoming injuries, and building trust. He emphasizes the role of both objective AND subjective feedback in development and the unique approach of 3PD Performance in fostering long-term success for their athletes. Max reflects on his experiences grinding alongside some of baseball's mavericks in the most elite training environments the industry offered. He also mentions the valuable lessons learned from industry leaders, highlighting the significance of creating good human beings alongside developing skilled pitchers.

Brian Metoyer, right handed reliever in the New York Mets organization, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 78. The Louisiana native shares his inspiring journey through the challenges of professional baseball, including injuries, surgeries, and the mental resilience required to overcome adversity. From his early love for the game, influenced by his grandfather, to the humbling experiences in college baseball, the Mets farmhand discusses the importance of perseverance and the support of key figures in his life. He reflects on the emotional toll of injuries, the uncertainty brought by COVID-19, and the joy of returning to the mound with a renewed appreciation for the game. Brian's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and finding purpose in the face of challenges.

The Layback Podcast welcomes right handed pitcher of Germany's National Team and University of Texas at Dallas, Rick Koch, for episode 77. Koch shares his unique journey from playing baseball in Germany to competing at the collegiate level in the United States. He discusses the cultural differences in baseball training, the challenges of recruitment for European players, and his evolution from an outfielder to a thrower to, eventually, a pitcher. Rick also opens up about his injury and rehabilitation journey, the lessons learned during rehab, and his aspirations for the future at the University of Texas at Dallas. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of hard work, passion for the game, and the support of his coaches and teammates. He shares a look into to his personal evolution while at Eckerd College and discusses the many lessons he learned throughout his baseball journey as well.

In episode 76 of The Layback Podcast, Corey Muscara, Head Coach of the Duke University Blue Devils, joins the conversation to handle a topic slightly different from the norm - fatherhood. Adam and Corey discuss the challenges of balancing a demanding coaching career with family life, the importance of a supportive partner, and the lessons learned from parenthood. Muscara shares insights on time management, self-care, and the evolution of his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the need for patience and the value of experience in both coaching and parenting. The New Hampshire native owns that mistakes are going to happen; the fear of making those mistakes should never stand in the way of development.

Episode 75 of The Layback Podcast puts Connor Wylde, a left-handed pitcher and super senior at New Mexico State University, in the spotlight. Connor shares his journey through college baseball, including the challenges of injuries, the importance of coaching and mentorship, and his development as a player. He discusses the role of FlexPro Grip among other unique training methods as part of his robust routine. Additionally, he speaks on his mindset regarding competition and his goals for the upcoming season. The conversation highlights the significance of movement as a form of medicine or recovery and the importance of maintaining a competitive edge. Special shoutouts were made to his athletic training staff at Cypress College, Coach Angier at NMSU, Payton Lobdell of Backyard Bullpens, and the Pitching Doctor.

The Layback Podcast episode 74 features SJ Mousseau of 3PD in Waterford, Michigan. The Boulder, CO shares his journey through baseball, discussing the challenges he faced, the importance of mentorship, and his current role in coaching. He emphasizes the significance of workload management, drill selection, and the mental aspects of command in pitching. SJ also dives into the intricacies of pitch design, particularly the 'Hand of God' slider, and the role of plyometric training in athlete development. The young coach cites his hunger for growth and further opportunities in baseball.