In Episode 20, Ron McKeefery sits down with Jim Davis @ntstrength @goodathleteproject and Clif Marshall @clifmarshall for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to coach beyond the weight room. Jim shares the origins of the Good Athlete Project and how neuroscience and human development shaped his mission. Clif opens up about his personal faith journey, his transformation as a leader, and why serving athletes outside the four walls of the weight room is part of his calling. Together they unpack how coaches can create deeper relationships, develop resilience, build community, and make an eternal impact on the people they serve.

00:00 The mission behind coaching beyond the weight room

01:41 Jim’s lightbulb moment studying human development

07:58 How the Good Athlete Project became a global initiative

09:58 Clif’s transformation through faith and sobriety

12:40 Developing athletes through purpose, love, and connection

17:27 Priorities, identity, and keeping family first

29:14 How impact outside the weight room shapes careers

40:02 First steps for coaches wanting to create real change

• Coaching is human development, not just physical preparation

• Athletes need mentors who invest in their life, not just their performance

• Personal transformation strengthens professional impact

• Time spent outside the weight room is the true connector

• Faith, family, and identity must stay in proper order

• Service creates deeper relationships and lasting outcomes

• Life lessons must be intentionally taught, not assumed

• Start small, act now, and let your mission create momentum

PARTNERS

RockDaisy @Rockdaisy

Output Sports @outputsports

PLAE @plaeglobal

#StrengthCoach, #Leadership, #CoachingLife, #AthleteDevelopment, #BeyondTheWeightRoom

In this episode of the CEO Strength Coach Podcast, Ron McKeefery interviews Tom Morris @MorrisStrength, the Director of High Performance at Penn State University. They discuss Tom's journey from training athletes to becoming an entrepreneur and speaker, emphasizing the importance of financial stability, networking, and building a community. Tom shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of authenticity in business, and the potential for coaches to inspire and impact lives beyond the weight room. The conversation highlights the entrepreneurial mindset necessary for success in the coaching profession and the importance of intentionality in building a following and a sustainable business model.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Morris and His Journey

01:25 The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Coaching

04:14 Financial Stability for Strength Coaches

05:55 Taking the Leap into Speaking and Business

09:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

12:39 The Importance of Networking

16:31 Building a Community and Tribe

18:06 Intentionality in Building a Following

21:52 Creating a Sustainable Business Model

27:12 The Power of Giving and Authenticity

30:41 Long-Term Vision and Passion in Coaching

33:31 Mistakes Young Coaches Make

35:41 Learning from Influential Leaders

39:03 The Potential of Coaches Beyond the Weight Room

Takeaways

• Tom Morris emphasizes the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset in coaching.

• Financial stability is crucial for strength coaches, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck.

• Taking the leap into speaking and business can be a transformative experience for coaches.

• Overcoming imposter syndrome is essential when entering new environments.

• Networking is a key strength for coaches that can open many doors.

• Building a community and tribe is vital for long-term success.

• Intentionality in building a following can lead to greater opportunities.

• Creating a sustainable business model involves multiple revenue streams.

• Authenticity and a genuine desire to help others can lead to success in business.

• Coaches have the potential to inspire and impact lives beyond the weight room.

#strengthcoaching, #entrepreneurship, #financialstability, #speaking, #networking, #communitybuilding, #authenticity, #coachingcareer, #personaldevelopment, #leadership

Episode 18 brings together two powerful voices in strength and conditioning: Valerie Hale and Kathy Wagner. In this roundtable, we dig into representation, leadership, motherhood, career evolution, and the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated profession. Val and Kathy share honest stories about entering the field, earning credibility, navigating bias, raising families while coaching, and mentoring the next generation of female strength coaches. This episode is packed with career guidance, life lessons, and tactical advice for anyone building a meaningful, sustainable career in strength and conditioning.

00:00 Breaking Barriers In The Weight Room

01:40 Kathy on early challenges and representation

04:46 Val’s path into strength and conditioning

06:43 Women rising into leadership roles

10:07 Coaching football as a female strength coach

14:27 Building credibility in a male dominated space

27:25 Balancing motherhood and strength coaching

48:52 Advice for the next generation of female coaches

• Representation for women in S and C has grown dramatically over the last 25 years
  

• Credibility comes from results, knowledge of the sport, and consistent presence
  

• The ceiling for women in football strength and conditioning is higher than ever
  

• Communication, humility, and situational awareness remain essential coaching skills
  

• Motherhood and strength coaching can coexist with support and planning
  

• Young coaches must develop networks early and diversify their skill sets
  

• Technology and sports science matter, but coaching is still a people business
  

• Documenting lessons learned accelerates growth and builds future opportunities
  

#strengthcoach, #womeninsports, #coachingcareer, #leadership, #sportsperformance

In this episode of the CEO Strength Coach Podcast, Ron McKeefery interviews Matt Durant, the head strength coach at the University of La Verne. They discuss the unique aspects of coaching at the Division III level, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, creating a unified coaching philosophy, and leading by example. Matt shares insights on developing accountability among athletes and staff, the significance of investing in personal relationships, and balancing a coaching career with family life. The conversation highlights the impact of coaching on athletes' lives and the lessons learned from years of experience in the field.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Coaching Philosophy

03:06 The Division III Experience

06:12 Building Relationships and Team Culture

09:00 Empowering Athletes and Peer Coaching

11:57 The Role of Passion in Coaching

15:02 Creating Structure and Accountability

17:54 Investing in Staff Development

21:04 Life Lessons from Coaching

23:56 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Coaching

28:11 Building Relationships in Coaching

30:35 The Importance of Life Skills in Athletics

33:36 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Ambition

36:28 Embracing Challenges as Growth Opportunities

39:48 Cross-Training and Team Unity

40:53 Learning from Every Coach

43:55 Advice for Young Coaches

Takeaways

• Coaching at the Division III level allows for deeper relationships with athletes.

• Building a unified coaching philosophy is essential for team success.

• Leaders must set the standard and lead by example.

• Creating accountability among athletes fosters a stronger team culture.

• Investing in staff development is crucial for a successful program.

• Relationships with athletes extend beyond the weight room.

• Balancing personal life and coaching is key to long-term fulfillment.

• Coaches should embrace challenges as growth opportunities.

• Teaching athletes to coach each other enhances their learning experience.

• The ultimate goal of coaching is to positively impact athletes' lives.

#coaching, #strengthtraining, #DivisionIII, #athletedevelopment, #leadership, #teamculture, #relationshipbuilding, #coachingphilosophy, #staffdevelopment, #personalgrowth

In Episode 16 of the CEO Strength Coach Podcast, host Ron McKeefery sits down with Lew Caralla @LewCaralla (Rice University) and Alex Spanos @turbostrengthnu (Northwestern University) for a powerful roundtable on the realities of being a strength coach in the public eye. Both coaches have experienced viral moments that brought massive attention—some positive, some critical—from peers and the broader sports world.

They discuss how to stay authentic amid outside judgment, the fine line between passion and perception, and the responsibility that comes with influence. The conversation dives deep into leadership, motivation, and what it really takes to get athletes to believe—on game day and beyond.

This episode is a must-listen for coaches navigating visibility, criticism, and the balance between doing what’s right for your players and what’s accepted by the profession.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro Ron McKeefery opens the roundtable and introduces guests Lew Caralla (Rice University) and Alex Spanos (Northwestern University).

01:13 – The Viral Moments Alex and Lew share the stories behind their viral clips and how sudden visibility changed perceptions.

04:26 – Passion, Purpose & The Public Eye Alex explains his approach to energy, culture, and authenticity in front of players and the world.

06:50 – Lew’s Wall Sit Story Lew recounts the viral Louisiana wall-sit video that exploded overnight and how he handled the attention.

07:43 – Coaching Beyond the Weight Room Lew shares why motivation matters—especially for athletes without strong father figures.

09:30 – Belief, Buy-In & Mental Toughness The group discusses how to get 125 alphas to believe, push limits, and play for one another.

13:15 – Coaching Roles & Authentic Energy Are coaches “playing a character” on game day? The balance between personality and performance.

17:05 – Doing Whatever It Takes The panel explores humility in leadership—no job too small, no ego too big.

18:46 – Why Coaches Judge Each Other Lew and Ron break down jealousy, negativity, and the lack of unity within the profession.

22:02 – Advice for Young Coaches Alex offers guidance on staying grounded, building trust, and creating genuine relationships.

25:10 – Balancing Family & the Profession How to stay present at home and why family is your true foundation.

40:12 – The Dark Side of the Profession Lew talks about job instability, being let go, and how to prepare for transitions.

42:14 – Building Longevity & Connections Ron and Lew share the importance of networking, gratitude, and having backup plans.

45:15 – Final Reflections: Celebrate Each Other The coaches close by urging unity, humility, and appreciation in the strength community.

46:51 – Outro Ron wraps up the episode with closing thoughts and thanks to Lew and Alex.

Takeaways

• Authenticity Over Optics

• The Double-Edged Sword of Visibility

• Intent Matters More Than Image

• Coaches Need to Model Belief

• Motivation Is Personal

• Peer Judgment Is Inevitable

• Relationships Build Resilience

• No Job Too Small

• Family First, Always

• Celebrate Each Other’s Wins
  

#CEOStrengthCoach #StrengthCoachLife #LeadershipInSport #CoachingCulture #GameDayEnergy

In this episode of the CEO Strength Coach podcast, host Ron McKeefery interviews Candice Walls @WallsPerformance, a multifaceted strength coach, boxer, and entrepreneur. They discuss Candice's transition from college coaching to high school, the importance of embracing new opportunities, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Candice shares insights on building a successful business model in strength coaching, the significance of community engagement, and the necessity of trusting and empowering team members. The conversation emphasizes the importance of networking, financial management, and the lessons learned through entrepreneurship, ultimately highlighting the rewarding nature of helping others and personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Candice's Journey

01:22 Transitioning from College to High School Coaching

05:07 Embracing New Opportunities and Revenue Streams

06:43 Letting Go of Ego and Finding Fulfillment

10:06 Building Better Humans: The Impact of Coaching

12:08 Time Management and Balancing Responsibilities

19:05 Creating a Sustainable Business Model

25:16 Innovative Fundraising and Community Engagement

26:33 Building Connections in the Strength Community

32:45 Navigating the Business Side of Coaching

38:39 Trusting Your Team and Delegating Responsibilities

44:49 Lessons Learned from Coaching and Business

Takeaways

• Embrace where you are and be present.

• Building multiple revenue streams is crucial.

• Community engagement can lead to unexpected opportunities.

• Trusting your team is essential for growth.

• Networking is key to finding new clients.

• Managing finances is critical for business success.

• Letting go of ego can lead to personal growth.

• Creating a supportive environment fosters success.

• Innovative fundraising can enhance program resources.

• Helping others is the ultimate reward in coaching.

#strengthcoaching, #entrepreneurship, #personalgrowth, #communityengagement, #businessmodel, #timemanagement, #coachingcareer, #revenuestreams, #networking, #financialmanagement

In this episode of the CEO Strength Coach Podcast, Ron McKeefery interviews Gus Felder @CoachFelder72/@CoachFelder, the Director of Football Player Development at the University of Nebraska. They discuss the transition from athlete to coach, the importance of treating players with respect, and the need for resilience in coaching. Felder emphasizes the significance of building relationships with athletes, understanding their needs, and developing accountability. He also shares insights from his book, 'Inside the Game,' which focuses on mastering the inner game and personal growth. The conversation highlights the evolving needs of athletes and the importance of leadership skills in coaching.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gus Felder

01:40 The Athlete to Coach Transition

04:14 Mastering the Inner Game

11:18 Understanding Athlete Needs

15:49 Building Accountability and Relationships

22:13 Resilience and Self-Discovery

28:05 Developing Leadership Skills

Takeaways

• Treat your players the way you want to be treated as a player.

• The athlete's needs have not changed; they still want to improve.

• Building relationships is essential for accountability.

• Resilience is key in both coaching and personal growth.

• Know yourself before you lead others.

• Journaling can help with self-reflection and growth.

• Every athlete wants to be noticed and held accountable.

• Coaches should focus on developing soft skills.

• It's important to create a supportive environment for athletes.

• Don't take yourself too seriously; have fun in coaching.

Keywords

#coaching, #athletedevelopment, #strengthtraining, #leadership, #resilience, #accountability, #playerdevelopment, #personalgrowth, #mentorship, #sportspsychology

In this episode of the CEO Strength Coach Podcast, Ron McKeefery interviews JP Major @Performance_Major, the Director of Strength Conditioning for WWE. They discuss the unique challenges and methodologies involved in training professional wrestlers, including the importance of understanding the sport's demands, the development of character archetypes, and the integration of sports science into training. JP shares insights on how to assess and train athletes based on their specific roles and the importance of creating a supportive environment for both development and performance. The conversation also touches on career opportunities in wrestling strength conditioning and advice for aspiring coaches.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to WWE Strength Conditioning

02:57 Understanding the Demands of Wrestling

06:09 Character Archetypes in Wrestling

08:54 Training Methodologies for Different Archetypes

11:44 Energy System Testing and Assessment

15:02 Typical Training Week for Wrestlers

17:49 Incorporating Sports Science into Training

20:48 Career Path in Wrestling Strength Conditioning

23:34 Advice for Aspiring Coaches

Takeaways

• JP Major emphasizes the importance of performance knowledge over being a fan of wrestling.

• The WWE employs a unique training methodology that includes understanding the history of wrestling.

• Character archetypes play a crucial role in determining training focus and methodologies.

• Training sessions are tailored to the specific demands of each wrestler's character and move set.

• Energy system testing is adapted to fit the unique needs of wrestlers, focusing on work capacity.

• A typical training week includes a mix of skill development and recovery days.

• Sports science is integrated into training to enhance performance and longevity of wrestlers' careers.

• There are growing opportunities in wrestling strength conditioning, especially with WWE's expansion.

• Aspiring coaches should seek experience with youth athletes to build foundational skills.

• Networking and continuous learning are essential for success in the coaching field.

Keywords

#WWE, #strengthandconditioning, #wrestling, #sportsscience, #athletetraining, #characterdevelopment, #energysystems, #coaching, #performancetraining, #careerinsports