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

In this episode of the CEO Strength Coach Podcast, host Ron McKeefery engages with legendary strength coaches Rick Huegli @Rhuegli, Johnny Parker, and Jeff Hurd @hurdperformance. They share invaluable insights from their extensive careers, focusing on critical moves for longevity in coaching, the importance of financial planning, and the mental challenges faced in the profession. The conversation emphasizes the significance of coaching people over just coaching weights, the necessity of maintaining mental and physical health, and the importance of building professional relationships. Each guest offers practical advice for aspiring coaches, highlighting the need for personal growth and resilience in the face of challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Legends in Strength Coaching

01:12 Critical Moves for Longevity in Coaching

05:10 Sacrifices and Risks in Pursuing Coaching Careers

07:52 Financial Strategies for Coaches

18:13 Navigating Challenges and Setbacks in Coaching

24:25 Navigating Burnout in Coaching

27:59 Identity Beyond Coaching

32:10 The Importance of Professionalism

38:58 The Role of a Coach as a Servant Leader

40:15 Tactical Advice for Young Coaches

Takeaways

• Max out your 401k and save for emergencies.

• Sacrifices are necessary to achieve your goals.

• Get a long-term health care policy early.

• Calculated risks can lead to career advancement.

• Financial stability is crucial for longevity in coaching.

• Coaching is about developing people, not just athletes.

• Mental health is as important as physical health.

• Build strong professional relationships in the field.

• Be prepared for challenges and setbacks in your career.

• Continuous personal development is key to success.

#strengthandconditioning, #longevity, #professionaldevelopment, #coachingchallenges, #careeradvice, #coachingrelationships, #personalgrowth, #coachingsuccess

In this episode of the CEO Strength Coach Podcast, Ron McKeefery interviews Justin Lima, the owner and CEO of Strength Coach Network. They discuss Justin's journey in strength coaching, the importance of relationships, and the entrepreneurial mindset required in the field. Justin shares insights on managing risks, building authority, and creating stability through additional revenue streams. The conversation emphasizes the need for strength coaches to market themselves and leverage their skills effectively. They also explore the various ways to monetize content and the resources available through the Strength Coach Network.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Justin Lima

02:54 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Strength Coaching

05:54 Managing Risks in Entrepreneurship

09:08 Building Authority and Skills

11:59 Creating Stability in an Unstable Environment

15:01 Revenue Models for Strength Coaches

18:04 Leveraging Time and Knowledge

20:50 Strength Coach Network Overview

Takeaways

• Relationships are crucial in building a career in strength coaching.

• Entrepreneurial mindset is essential for success in strength coaching.

• Managing risks is key to thriving in entrepreneurship.

• Strength coaches must learn to market themselves effectively.

• Creating stability in an unstable environment is vital for coaches.

• Building authority through content and engagement is necessary.

• Multiple revenue streams can provide financial security for coaches.

• Efficiency in time management can lead to increased productivity.

• Support within the strength coaching community is important for growth.

• Leveraging knowledge and skills can lead to new opportunities.

Keywords

#strengthcoaching, #entrepreneurship, #riskmanagement, #authoritybuilding, #revenuemodels, #stability, #contentmonetization, #strengthcoachnetwork

In this episode of the CEO Strength Coach Podcast, Ron McKeefery interviews Tex Wilkin, founder of Captains and Coaches. They discuss the challenges of leadership in coaching, the importance of storytelling, and the need for structure and discipline in modern coaching environments. Tex shares his experiences and insights on first-year leadership, the significance of creating healthy conflict, and the mistakes young coaches often make. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, social awareness, and the role of discipline as a set of tools for responsible decision-making in athletes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Coaching01:45 The Origin of Captains and Coaches04:32 The Role of a Team Captain07:46 Navigating Leadership Challenges10:34 Building Relatability and Connection13:03 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership17:52 Learning from Failure19:59 Discipline and Structure in Coaching23:57 The Importance of Delayed Gratification26:49 Building Self-Esteem and Coachability30:27 Motivation Drills and Team Energy34:52 Creating Healthy Conflict in Teams41:40 Coaching Mistakes and Learning OpportunitiesTakeawaysLeadership is about managing time, people, and resources.The relationship between a coach and a team captain is crucial.Young leaders often default to mimicking what they know.Storytelling is essential for building team culture.Discipline should be viewed as a set of tools for decision-making.Creating healthy conflict is important for team growth.Young coaches often stop drills to correct mistakes, losing valuable practice time.Building self-awareness in athletes is key to their development.Delayed gratification is a critical skill for athletes.Coaches should provide responsibilities to foster accountability. Keywords#leadership, #coaching, #discipline, #storytelling, #youthdevelopment, #teamdynamics, #firstyearleadership, #healthyconflict, #coachingmistakes, #captainsandcoachesFull Episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL846cIbZqVBep4W_7yOns_9ke6GZwq46F&si=oF0hUxEomVybweb7For Show Notes and Coach McKeefery's Website - http://www.RonMcKeefery.comNow Available on all Podcast PlayersPick up your copy of Coach McKeefery's two #1 Amazon International Bestseller's:CEO Strength Coach - https://www.ronmckeefery.com/booksWeight Room Wisdom - https://www.ronmckeefery.com/booksPlease “Thank” our partners who bring this show to you for free:PLAE - https://www.PLAE.usRock Daisy - https://www.RockDaisy.comOutput - https://www.outputsports.com