In this episode, host Mickey Bruckner interviews Chris Guarin, a performance coach and founder of Guarin Posture Performance in California. Chris shares his journey into strength and conditioning, sparked by a love for sports and shaped through personal injuries. Over time, his work expanded from athletic performance to a specialized focus on posture and movement.

The conversation highlights Chris’s commitment to continuous learning and his belief in the power of context, in both coaching and life. His story offers valuable takeaways for young coaches: stay curious, build strong relationships, and keep showing up.

In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, Bobby Whyte shares his powerful journey from a self-doubting college athlete battling addiction to a respected coach and founder of Good Drills. He discusses how hitting rock bottom led him to rediscover purpose through service and sport, and how that transformation now shapes everything he does—on and off the court.

Bobby breaks down his coaching philosophy rooted in honesty, environment, and athlete development over gimmicks or hype. He also talks about launching Good Drills, growing an online business, and how leaning into discomfort became his biggest growth driver. It’s a candid, motivating conversation about building something meaningful—and becoming someone you're proud of.

Sean Smith joins the podcast to break down what it really means to coach with purpose. With experience spanning NCAA Division I athletics and IndyCar, Sean emphasizes the importance of meeting athletes where they are, building real relationships, and coaching with intention.

He dives into how to maximize limited off-seasons, why in-season training is essential, and how he uses force plate data and athlete feedback to build smarter, more responsive programs. Whether you're in the weight room or working remotely, Sean’s insights highlight how clarity, communication, and context shape long-term success.

In this episode, Danny Foley—founder of Rude Rock Strength and coach with Altis—shares his evolving approach to performance training. He walks us through his journey from traditional strength and conditioning to a more integrated model that blends injury rehab, performance optimization, and fascial-based training.

Danny reflects on how his time working with Navy SEALs at VHP shaped his current philosophy and makes the case for closing the gap between strength and therapy to better serve athletes. From NFL combine prep to fascia-informed loading, this conversation is packed with insights on staying relevant, effective, and impactful as a coach.

Ever wonder what it really takes to turn a passion for coaching into a leadership role at a top-tier training facility?

In this episode, John O’Neill—co-owner of Cressey Sports Performance—shares his evolution from a young coach to a strategic leader shaping athlete development and company culture.

You’ll hear how mentorship, mindset shifts, and mastering every role from intern to executive helped John build a sustainable career in sports performance. He unpacks the realities of youth athletics, the business behind great training environments, and why empathy and leadership matter just as much as programming.

A must-listen for anyone chasing longevity and impact in the fitness or coaching world.

Andy McCloy’s path in strength and conditioning is a masterclass in turning obstacles into opportunity. In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, he shares how his passion for training led him from personal struggles to building BCI Sports Performance, a thriving facility in Alabama.

Andy emphasizes the importance of clarity, ego management, and continuous learning in both coaching and business. He dives into the realities of running a gym, debunking the myth of overnight success and stressing the need for long-term vision, strong leadership, and a well-defined philosophy. Now, through Built to Last Gym, his mentorship venture with Luka Hocevar, he’s helping other gym owners navigate the challenges of building sustainable, impactful businesses.

Whether it’s training athletes, developing coaches, or scaling a gym, Andy’s philosophy is clear: know your why, commit to mastery, and never stop evolving.

Jamie Pasquin’s journey in strength and conditioning is all about growth, adaptability, and impact. In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, he shares how his passion for improving as an athlete led him to coaching, from high school sports to working with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead of chasing big-name jobs, Jamie focused on learning from the best and finding the most cutting-edge training environments. Now at Varsity House, he’s applying his experience to help athletes at all levels while learning the business side of coaching. He breaks down the key lessons from his career, the importance of building relationships, and why success isn’t about titles—it’s about constant learning and making a difference.

In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, Mickey sits down with Joe Riggio, co-founder of Varsity House and Business of Strength. Joe share his evolution from being a passionate strength coach to mastering the business side of fitness, emphasizing the critical shift from coach to entrepreneur. He discusses the hard lessons learned—like the importance of marketing, financial management, and leadership—while growing a thriving fitness business. From nearly going out of business twice to scaling multiple locations, Joe provides invaluable insights on transitioning from the gym floor to the boardroom. Whether you're a gym owner, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice on navigating the challenges of business growth while staying true to your mission.