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PODCAST · health

The Starting Block Podcast

by John Nelson & Chris Scarborough

At The Starting Block Podcast, we want to give you, THE ATHLETE, THE COACH & THE PARENT the tools to WIN both on and off the field. Our team brings over 65+ years of combined experience in Athletics, Fitness and Sports Medicine. Our mission is to help you win and build our communities by passing on our knowledge & experiences, as well as that of our colleagues across the world. Our areas of expertise include: strength training, rehabilitation from injuries, power & speed development, nutrition as well as the mental/spiritual side of athletics.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 16, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Ep. 127 - Guest Interview - Rett Larson - No Zombies

    In this Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome Rett Larson, a world renowned volleyball strength and conditioning coach. Rett has gold medals in the 2016 Olympics and 2015 World Cup amongst many other accolades. His 'No Zombies' approach and innovative warmups have taken social media by storm in...

  2. Ep. 126: Dr. Brandon Walley, Part II

    In this Guest Interview, Dr. Brandon Walley rejoins the show to discuss the latest advancements in red light therapy for eye health, vision processing, and athletic performance. He shares insights on how light frequencies impact vision, the importance of early detection of visual deficits in...

  3. Ep. 125: Guest Interview - Rolf Ohman

    In this guest interview, John & Chris are joined legendary coach and co-founder of the 1080 Sprint, Rolf Oman. Rolf shares cutting edge insights into athletic performance, speed development and the science behind training elite athletes. Rolf also discusses how technology, biomechanics, and...

  4. Ep. 124: Guest Interview - Elijah Holyfield & David Buer

    In this Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome back Elijah Holyfield and David Buer to discuss athletic development, the transition from football to WWE, and the importance of isometric training. They explore the misconceptions surrounding strength training, the role of the nervous system, and…

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  5. Ep. 123: Guest Interview: Kayla Girgen, Author of "Ruck Fit"

    In this guest interview, John and Chris welcome dietician, personal trainer and author, Kayla Girgen. Kayla joins the show to discuss her new book, "Ruck Fit" as well as share her journey from the corporate world to the fitness industry and more. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are…

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  6. Ep. 122: Q&A - Water Training & How Isometrics Can Influence Speed

    In this week's Q&A, John and Chris discuss the use of training with water based tools, how isometric lunges impact speed and protein supplementation. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is...

  7. Ep. 121: Guest Interview - Coach Anthony Cellitti

    In this weeks Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome Coach Anthony Cellitti to the show. The guys discuss various topics, including the importance of building relationships with athletes, the effectiveness of the 1x20 training system, and the challenges associated with training athletes in…

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  8. Ep. 120: Q & A - Leg Drive, Hamstring Issues, Enhanced Recovery

    In this week's Q & A John and Chris dive into the importance of leg power in pitching, the role of blood flow in enhancing recovery & recurring hamstring injuries. **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in...

  9. Ep. 119: Q & A - The Importance of Structured Training

    In this weeks episode, hosts John Nelson and Chris Scarborough reconnect after a summer break to discuss their training experiences and their summer of coaching athletes. They delve into the importance of evaluating fitness content on social media, identifying effective training methods, and the...

  10. Ep. 118: Athlete Spotlight - Drake Meeks, Pitcher - Southern Miss

    In Athlete Spotlight episode, John and Chris welcome Drake Meeks, a talented pitcher from the University of Southern Mississippi. They discuss Drake's journey from a youth baseball player to eventual collegiate athlete. Topics include: the importance of body control in pitching, and the mental...

  11. Ep. 117: The Achilles Tendon Epidemic

    In this episode, John and Chris discuss the multifaceted nature of athletic injuries, particularly focusing on the recent surge in Achilles tendon injuries in professional sports. They explore various factors contributing to these injuries, including training methods, the impact of modern...

  12. Ep. 116: Q & A - Weight Gain/Speed Loss & Yielding vs Extreme Iso's

    In this episode John and Chris discuss various aspects of athletic development, focusing on the relationship between weight gain and speed loss, the differences between yielding isometrics and iso-extremes, and addressing common injuries like brachialis pain in pitching. Chapters 00:00 Welcome…

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  13. Ep. 114: Guest Interview - Dr. Jen Perez of Gait Happens, Part II

    In this guest episode John and Chris welcome back Dr. Jen Perez from Gait Happens. They discuss the importance of foot health in athletic performance, the impact of footwear on foot function, common foot problems faced by athletes, and the significance of proper foot care and strength training.…

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  14. Ep. 113: Guest Interview - Michael Fahey, Westside vs the World/OVR Performance

    In this week's guest interview, John and Chris are joined by Michael Fahey, the director of Westside vs the World and Co-Founder of OVR Performance. The conversation explores Michael's journey from film to sports, the creation of his documentary, and the innovative approach of OVR Performance in...

  15. Ep. 112: Q &A - Measuring Progress Beyond Weight

    In this week's Q & A, John & Chris discuss focusing on how to measure progress beyond just weight. They emphasize the significance of proper positioning in training, the role of velocity and intent in movement, and the foundational aspect of position in achieving athletic performance. The...

  16. Ep. 110: Guest Interview - David Buer, Part IV

    In this week's guest interview John & Chris welcome back a regular to the show, David Buer. The guys tackle a number of topics including: the power of mentorship in shaping youth athletes, authenticity in coaching, System X, discipline, navigating stress with emotion resilience and much more....

  17. Ep. 110: Q & A - Extreme Joint Range of Motion & Red Light

    In this week's Q & A, John and Chris answer you questions regarding: Does extreme or exaggerated range of motion help you to improve force production? Do you recommend red/infrared therapy? *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be.…

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  18. Ep. 109: Guest Interview - Tyson Gunter, Team USA Paralympian

    In this guest interview, John & Chris are joined by Team USA Paralympian, Tyson Gunter. Tyson represented the United States in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and also has two World Championship Silver Medals. Tyson shares his experiences representing the United States as well as providing insights on his...

  19. Ep. 108: Athlete Spotlight - Ava Goodin, Northwestern Soccer

    In this athlete spotlight, John and Chris are joined by Ava Goodin. Ava currently plays soccer at Northwestern University and has been an ELP athlete for a little over two years. In this episode, Ava shares her soccer journey as well as how using the principles commonly discussed on this podcast...

  20. Ep. 107: Q & A - Movement Mechanics, Chaos Training, GOATA/EVO

    In this weeks Q & A, John and Chris tackle: GOATA vs Movement: Back Chain Dominance in Sprinting Adding Load in Training GOATA & Evo Chaos Training *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not...

  21. Ep. 106: Ryan Paul - New Athlete

    In this week's guest interview, we welcome Ryan Paul, Founder of New Athlete. Located in Vancouver, Washington, New Athlete is one of the premier sport performance facilities in the country. Ryan and his team have produced some of the most elite talent to ever come out of the Northwest part of…

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  22. Ep. 105: Dr. Rob Luckey, Part II - Concussions & Athletic Performance

    In this week's guest interview, John and Chris are rejoined by Dr. Rob Luckey of Pittsford Performance Care. The guys discuss the complexities of athletic development, focusing on the increasing prevalence of concussions in youth sports. They explore the factors contributing to this rise…

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  23. Ep. 104 - Dr. Alexis Cowan - The Importance of Light in Athletic Performance & Health

    In this week's guest interview, John and Chris are joined by Dr. Alexis Cowan; PhD from Princeton and Host of the "Undoctrinate Yourself" podcast. The crew discusses the importance of light in athletic performance and overall health, as Dr. Cowan explains how the modern indoor light environment,...

  24. Ep. 103 - Tony Holler - "Feed the Cats"

    In this week's guest interview we welcome Coach Tony Holler. Tony is one of the most highly regarded and sought after speed coaches in the world. His program "Feed The Cats" revolutionized speed and sprint training. In this episode we cover: Tony's Book & Approach Feed the Cats Challenges in…

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  25. Ep. 102: Friday Fire & Facts - Censorship Everywhere

    In this Friday Fire & Fact episode, John and Chris discuss censorship, misinformation and how what we're witnessing in our own country relates to the industries we work in. *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information...

  26. Ep. 101: Josh Richardson & Luke Schultheiss - Velocity Athletic Development

    In this week's guest interview John & Chris are joined by Josh Richardson (CEO) & Luke Schultheiss (Director of Athletic Development) of Velocity Athletic Development in Canton, GA. Josh and Luke share their company's approach to providing a 360 degree experience for their athletes. Topics…

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  27. Ep. 100: Q & A - Minimizing Bicep Soreness in Throwers & What Separates the Good From World Class Athletes

    In this week's Q & A, John and Chris answer your questions about: Bicep soreness in a throwers; can I still train size and not lose function? What separates good athletes from world class athletes? *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims…

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  28. Ep. 99: Guest Interview: Elliot Young

    In this week's guest interview, John & Chris are joined by one of John's earliest mentors, Elliot Young. Elliot was a former collegiate track athlete and Olympic Decathlete. Elliot introduced John to the world of elite performance training, and introduced him to many of the great names in our...

  29. Ep. 98: Athlete Spotlight - Xavier Rivas; Ole Miss Pitcher

    In this episode, John and Chris are joined by Ole Miss pitcher Xavier Rivas. Xavier shares his story to becoming Ole Miss's Friday starter, his time with John at ELP as well as the lessons and experiences he's learned along the way! *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed...

  30. Ep. 97: Friday Facts - Assessing the Bench Press & Deadlift

    In this week's Friday Facts episode, John breaks down weaknesses in the bench press and deadlift and provides you with simple solutions to address those weaknesses. This is a "quick & to the point episode" with practical instruction that the athlete, parent or coach can immediately implement in...

  31. Ep. 96: Coach Stewart Venable

    In this week's guest interview, John and Chris are joined by Coach Stewart Venable! Coach V is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Northstar High School & a 2 time Nebraska Coach of the Year. Coach V has a unique style of training athletes that emphasizes neurological development to…

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  32. Ep. 95: Q & A - Creatine, Lower Back Pain & Losing Backside Mechanics

    In this week's Q & A John answers your questions about: The Use of Creatine - using research from ELP Team Members & 1st Phorm, John explains the pros/cons of creatine. Lower Back Problems - we discuss a variety of causes and commonalities w/ various lower back problems and how the coach can…

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  33. Ep. 94: Garrett Salpeter, Part III - Training & The Neubie

    Garrett Salpeter, Founder of NeuFit & the Neubie, rejoins John & Chris for a part 3 episode. In this episode the guys discuss the Neubie and its application in a training and performance environment. *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims...

  34. Ep. 93: Our Obligation

    With great power, comes great responsibility... In this Friday Fire & Fact episode, John shares his personal story and talks about what it means to be on this mission together, as well as the obligations we have to each other, our athletes, our clients and our country. *John, Chris and many of…

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  35. Ep. 92: Brad Arnett, Part 2 - NFL Combine/Pro Day Prep, Training Talk

    Brad Arnett, coach to JJ Watt, TJ Watt & numerous other NFL, Pro & Collegiate Athletes rejoins John & Chris to take a deeper dive into how to build an athlete! Topics include: NFL Combine/Pro Day Prep, Building Strength & Speed, and Strongman work. *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are…

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  36. Ep. 91: Q & A - The Ankle to Shoulder Connection; AREG for Speed/Strength

    In this week's Q & A John and Chris answer your questions about how ankle dysfunction can lead to a shoulder problem in throwers; along w/ auto-regulated training for strength & speed. *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The...

  37. Ep. 90: Q & A featuring David Buer

    In this week's Q & A, John and Chris welcome back special guest David Buer to help tackle your questions. Questions covered include: 1)How Do Extreme Slow Movements Qualify as High Velocity 2) How Does Learning to Land Safely From Height Improve Our Vertical/Speed... and more! *John, Chris and…

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  38. Ep. 89: Wyatt Short, Chicago Cubs/Ole Miss Rebels

    In this guest interview, John & Chris welcome former Chicago Cubs organization & Ole Miss Pitcher Wyatt Short. Wyatt and John work together at a baseball training facility called The Farm in Oxford, MS; where Wyatt serves at the locations Pitching Director. This is a great episode for our…

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  39. Ep. 88: Q & A - Shoulder Impingement; Improving Speed w/out Weights

    In this week's Q & A, John and Chris answer your questions about shoulder impingements in throwers, as well as whether or not you can improve speed without being in the weight room. *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The...

  40. Ep. 87: Jennifer Childers, PA-C , Delta Orthopedics

    In this guest interview John & Chris welcome Jennifer Childers PA-C to the show! Jennifer is a Physician Assistant at Delta Orthopedics, a Collierville based Orthopedic Clinic. Jennifer specializes in osteoporosis management & general orthopedics & has worked in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine…

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  41. Ep. 86: Q & A - Using FRC Principles in Training & Quad Dominance w/ Isos

    In this week's Q & A John & Chris answer your questions about using FRC principles such as CARS & Pails/Rails in your training, and addressing Quad dominance in iso positions. *John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information...

  42. Ep. 85: Friday Fire & Facts - How AI Will Impact Our Industries.

    In this FFF episode, John shares his thoughts on the rapid growth of AI and its impending impact on the athletic & strength & conditioning fields. Referencing Mo Gawdat, author of Solve for Happy, this episode provides information provided from one of the world leaders in AI development. *John,...

  43. Ep. 84: Abbey Lathrop Korn of the Denver Nuggets

    In this guest interview, John & Chris are joined by Denver Nuggets nutritionist Abbey Lathrop Korn. Abbey gives the guys a glimpse into the daily life of a sports nutritionist working with NBA athletes, along with providing into into different nutritional approaches and methodologies for all...

  44. Ep. 83: Isometrics, Part II

    This is a redo of our original episode on isometrics (ep. 4). We dive into iso extremes, yielding, overcoming isometrics and more!

  45. Ep. 82: Guest Interview - Dr. Jack Kruse, Part II

    In this week's Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome back Dr. Jack Kruse; world renowned neurosurgeon & health educator! If you have not listened to Part 1, we encourage you to listen to it before listing to this episode. You can find Part 1 on Episode 57 on this feed!

  46. Ep. 81: Q & A - Speed Work for Middle Distance; Why Do Muscles Shut Down?

    In this week's Q and A, John and Chris answer your questions about implementing speed work with middle distance runners, and why muscles shut down and methods of addressing it.

  47. Ep. 80: David Buer Part III feat. Elijah Holyfield

    In this week's episode we welcome back David Buer for the final episode of our three part series. We're also joined by special guest Elijah Holyfield, former University of Georgia & NFL running back.

  48. Ep. 79: Guest Interview - T.C. Hale, Kick It Naturally

    In this guest interview we welcome author, comedian & natural health educator TC Hale to the show! TC has done incredible work in the fields of health and gut function and shares his information along with practical applications for coaches, parents and athletes at all levels!

  49. Ep. 78: David Buer, Part II

    This is the second part of a three part series with Coach David Buer. We encourage you to listen to the first episode before listening to this.

  50. Ep. 77: FFF - Confidence is King!

    Today is Friday Fire & Fact. In today's episode, John discusses confidence and why its king regardless of what your goals are. Are you confident or arrogant? Do you know the difference?

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

At The Starting Block Podcast, we want to give you, THE ATHLETE, THE COACH & THE PARENT the tools to WIN both on and off the field. Our team brings over 65+ years of combined experience in Athletics, Fitness and Sports Medicine. Our mission is to help you win and build our communities by passing on our knowledge & experiences, as well as that of our colleagues across the world. Our areas of expertise include: strength training, rehabilitation from injuries, power & speed development, nutrition as well as the mental/spiritual side of athletics.

HOSTED BY

John Nelson & Chris Scarborough

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Starting Block Podcast have?

The Starting Block Podcast currently has 126 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Starting Block Podcast about?

At The Starting Block Podcast, we want to give you, THE ATHLETE, THE COACH & THE PARENT the tools to WIN both on and off the field. Our team brings over 65+ years of combined experience in Athletics, Fitness and Sports Medicine. Our mission is to help you win and build our communities by passing on...

How often does The Starting Block Podcast release new episodes?

The Starting Block Podcast publishes regularly with 126 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to The Starting Block Podcast?

You can listen to The Starting Block Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Starting Block Podcast?

The Starting Block Podcast is created and hosted by John Nelson & Chris Scarborough.
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