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This episode features an in-depth conversation with AJ Roberts, one of the most dominant strength athletes in powerlifting history, as he breaks down his journey through the sport, the mindset behind elite performance, and the lessons learned from competing at the highest level.

AJ reflects on his historic achievements, including his 1,205-pound world record squat and all-time record total, while also opening up about the personal challenges that led him to step away from powerlifting—and what ultimately brought him back. The discussion dives deep into his time at Westside Barbell under the legendary Louie Simmons, offering rare insight into the inner workings of the conjugate system and the culture that produced some of the strongest athletes in the world.

Beyond the records, AJ shares how his perspective on training has evolved—emphasizing curiosity, adaptability, and the importance of understanding the “why” behind programming. He discusses practical coaching applications, including hip strength development, fatigue monitoring, athlete autonomy, and the balance between mobility and true strength.

The conversation also explores AJ’s current mission: using social media and technology to simplify and communicate complex training concepts, while preserving the integrity of conjugate methodology. His goal is clear—help athletes and coaches think deeper, train smarter, and develop not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

This episode is a powerful blend of elite performance insight, coaching philosophy, and real-world application from one of the sport’s most experienced voices.

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In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven sits down with Jay Paterno—former Penn State assistant coach and author of Blitzed—for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of college football.

From NIL deals and the transfer portal to skyrocketing coaching salaries and mounting financial pressures, Paterno breaks down the forces reshaping the sport. The conversation explores the growing tension between maintaining academic integrity and navigating the realities of big-money athletics, while also addressing critical issues like mental health, athlete isolation, and the influence of gambling.

Paterno offers a candid perspective on coaching in today’s environment, the need for structural reform, and what a sustainable future for college football could look like. This episode is a must-listen for coaches, administrators, and anyone invested in the direction of collegiate athletics.

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In this episode, Dr. Brian Mann—one of the leading voices in strength and conditioning—dives deep into the evolution of modern training methodology, from the weight room to the classroom. Now a clinical associate professor at Texas A&M, Mann reflects on his transition from coaching to academia and how that shift has shaped his impact on the field.

The conversation explores the foundations and future of velocity-based training (VBT) and autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE), including how Mann developed load-velocity profiling and why he would refine those models differently today. He breaks down the realities of applying these systems across athletes with varying maturity levels, especially in the modern era of NIL and the transfer portal.

Beyond theory, this episode gets highly practical—covering hip strength development, the biomechanics behind squat vs. deadlift performance, and how limitations in mobility (like the soleus) can directly affect bar velocity and athletic output. Mann also shares insights from his time learning under elite coaches, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving over rigid programming.

The discussion expands into mental performance, highlighting the role of coaching alignment, athlete anxiety in the age of social media, and lessons drawn from “Coaching Mental Excellence.” The episode closes with a forward-looking conversation on the limitations of current athlete monitoring technology, particularly IMUs, and what’s needed to push the field ahead.

This is a masterclass in bridging research and real-world coaching—packed with actionable insights for strength coaches, sport scientists, and performance professionals.

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