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 toughness required to succeed. Drake also shares his experiences with injury and recovery, including his Tommy John surgery, and emphasizes the significance of training and preparation. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for aspiring athletes and insights into the competitive nature of college baseball.

**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 intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

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 technology and light exposure, and potential links to COVID-19 vaccinations. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to athlete health and injury prevention, urging coaches and trainers to consider all aspects of an athlete's environment and lifestyle.

**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 intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Athletic Development

00:34 The Achilles Tendon Controversy

13:42 The Impact of Blue Light on Injuries

29:21 Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine and Musculoskeletal Disorders

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 Back to the Starting Block Podcast

06:00 Understanding Weight Gain and Speed Loss

16:01 Isometric Training: Yielding vs. ISO Extremes

28:03 Addressing Brachialis Pain in Pitching

**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 intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*