Strength Coach Podcast253

Welcome to the Samson Strength Coach Collective, the ultimate podcast for strength and conditioning coaches. Join your host Connor Agnew, as he brings together a community of dedicated professionals who are passionate about optimizing athletic performance, building functional strength, and unlocking human potential. Through insightful interviews, expert advice, and practical strategies, this podcast equips strength coaches with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their craft.

Get ready to enhance your coaching skills, stay up-to-date with the latest trends, and connect with like-minded professionals in the Samson Strength Coach Collective. It’s time to level up your coaching game and unleash the full potential of your athletes.

E058 – Zach Fears (Southeastern Oklahoma State University)
E058 – Zach Fears (Southeastern Oklahoma State University) Strength Coach Podcast

E058 – Zach Fears (Southeastern Oklahoma State University)

Episode Summary This episode features Zach Fears and explores his work in collegiate sports performance at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The conversation points to the responsibilities that come with leading athlete development across a department, from training design and daily implementation to long-term planning and facility use. It also gives listeners a useful look at how performance leadership requires both technical coaching and broader organizational thinking. Coaches working in college settings will find value in the discussion around infrastructure, athlete support, and building a process that can serve a full roster of teams well. Listen to More Episodes Browse the…
April 24, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: E061 – Quan Thompkins and Chauncey Scissum (UConn Football)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: E061 – Quan Thompkins and Chauncey Scissum (UConn Football) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: E061 – Quan Thompkins and Chauncey Scissum (UConn Football)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIsf56J6JEU&list=PLxq_OWThB2iSscx30C1qEisoHmOQRJ5Fp&index=58 In this powerful interview, two of UConn Football's Assistant Strength Coaches share their personal stories of overcoming adversity in sport performance, and life. Quan Thompkins and Chauncey Scissum take us through specific obstacles they have encountered, and how they've used these experiences to find success in coaching. Samson Strength Coach Collective: E061 – Quan Thompkins and Chauncey Scissum (UConn Football) is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIsf56J6JEU&list=PLxq_OWThB2iSscx30C1qEisoHmOQRJ5Fp&index=58 In this powerful interview, two of UConn Football's Assistant Strength Coaches share their personal stories of overcoming adversity…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 051 – Justin Schwind (Tactical Strength Coach)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 051 – Justin Schwind (Tactical Strength Coach) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 051 – Justin Schwind (Tactical Strength Coach)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPAG8ulKEYA&list=PLxq_OWThB2iSscx30C1qEisoHmOQRJ5Fp&index=48 DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are not that of the United States Government, the DoD, or KBR Contracting. The tables are turned on this episode! Coach Tom Palumbo hosts Justin Schwind to cover his journey to the tactical sector and his coaching philosophy. Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 051 – Justin Schwind (Tactical Strength Coach) is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPAG8ulKEYA&list=PLxq_OWThB2iSscx30C1qEisoHmOQRJ5Fp&index=48 DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are not that of the United States Government, the DoD,…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 049 – Daniel Williams (Tactical Strength Coach)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 049 – Daniel Williams (Tactical Strength Coach) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 049 – Daniel Williams (Tactical Strength Coach)

https://youtu.be/gg2KLtpfWog Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are not that of the United States Government, United States Armed Forces, the DoD, or KBR Contracting. Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 049 – Daniel Williams (Tactical Strength Coach) is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://youtu.be/gg2KLtpfWog Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are not that of the United States Government, United States Armed Forces, the DoD, or KBR Contracting.. The added copy below focuses on how coaches typically use it, how it fits…
April 23, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 050 – Jared Renyer
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 050 – Jared Renyer Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 050 – Jared Renyer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKbWOtXcFto DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are not that of the United States Government, the DoD, the United States Army or Reef Systems Corporation. Coach Jared Renyer shares his journey to Ft.Riley, coaching philosophy and moves the tactical strength and conditioning community is making with Jake Labhart. Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 050 – Jared Renyer is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKbWOtXcFto DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are not that of the United States Government, the DoD,…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 047 – Josh Bonhotal (Future Fit App)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 047 – Josh Bonhotal (Future Fit App) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 047 – Josh Bonhotal (Future Fit App)

https://youtu.be/RbRGVeodfp0 Jake Labhart sits down with Josh Bonhotal for a great interview and conversation around Human Performance. With early success and landing his dream career at a young age, Josh had a yearning for more which led him to his career with Future Fitness App. Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 047 – Josh Bonhotal (Future Fit App) is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://youtu.be/RbRGVeodfp0 Jake Labhart sits down with Josh Bonhotal for a great interview and conversation around Human Performance. With early success and landing his…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 043 – Tyler Lesher (Florida Atlantic University)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 043 – Tyler Lesher (Florida Atlantic University) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 043 – Tyler Lesher (Florida Atlantic University)

https://youtu.be/e9UtWDgpEO0 Tyler Lesher is interviewed by Matt Tometz. Before arriving to FAU in November 2020, Tyler was with the Greensboro Swarm as the Head ATC and Strength Coach. Tyler is now an Assistant Athletic Trainer for FAU. With a love for strength and conditioning he takes a unique approach to his practice.
April 28, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 046 - Tom Palumbo (AFSOC HQ)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 046 – Tom Palumbo (AFSOC HQ) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 046 – Tom Palumbo (AFSOC HQ)

https://youtu.be/dpNOnrDEQUY **DISCLAIMER** The views and opinions expressed in this interview are not that of the United States Government, the DoD, or the United States Air Force". Dive in with coach Palumbo as he covers his journey to AFSOC HQ, and his coaching philosophy. His knowledge and wisdom of the field have set him up for success at every stop he has had. Hosted by Justin Schwind  
October 1, 2021
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 045 - Tim McClellan (Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 045 – Tim McClellan (Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 045 – Tim McClellan (Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club)

https://youtu.be/4YIsw4kXWi4 Tim McClellan has paved the way and laid a great foundation for our industry. Having coached athletes at every level Coach McClellan has seen it all. His leadership and love for high performance has allowed him to continue perfecting his craft to this day. He sits down with Justin Schwind and Darius Ducre to cover his journey.
March 25, 2025
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 042 – Anthony Morando (Altru Health Center)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 042 – Anthony Morando (Altru Health Center) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 042 – Anthony Morando (Altru Health Center)

https://youtu.be/rKJKiTRNaVM Joe Sawicki sits down with his former athlete Anthony Morando and documents his journey back to the private sector after weighing his priorities. Anthony is the Performance manager for Altru Performance Center in Grand Forks, ND. Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 042 – Anthony Morando (Altru Health Center) is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://youtu.be/rKJKiTRNaVM Joe Sawicki sits down with his former athlete Anthony Morando and documents his journey back to the private sector after weighing his priorities. Anthony is the Performance manager for Altru…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 041 – Joe Sawicki (Shattuck St.Mary’s School)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 041 – Joe Sawicki (Shattuck St.Mary’s School) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 041 – Joe Sawicki (Shattuck St.Mary’s School)

https://youtu.be/Goeanw7AL9g Joe Sawicki, Director of Sport Medicine, for Shattuck St.Mary's School sits down with Anthony Grasso to discuss his journey and philosophy up til now. Sawicki serves as Shattuck St. Mary's High Performance Director (Hockey, Soccer, Figure Skating, and Golf). Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 041 – Joe Sawicki (Shattuck St.Mary’s School) is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://youtu.be/Goeanw7AL9g Joe Sawicki, Director of Sport Medicine, for Shattuck St.Mary's School sits down with Anthony Grasso to discuss his journey and philosophy up til now. Sawicki serves as…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective – Episode 040: Hayden Baillio (Fraternity of Giants)
Samson Strength Coach Collective – Episode 040: Hayden Baillio (Fraternity of Giants) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective – Episode 040: Hayden Baillio (Fraternity of Giants)

https://youtu.be/fy2cRMWAc_g Hayden Baillio joins Jake Labhart on this episode of the Strength Coach Collective. Hayden is a Highland Games Competitor and Former Track Star turned strength coach. Inspired by his collegiate coach, he entered the kinesiology program during his years at the University of Texas and has never looked back.
April 28, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 039 – Erich Anthony (University of Tulsa)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 039 – Erich Anthony (University of Tulsa) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 039 – Erich Anthony (University of Tulsa)

https://youtu.be/DEnYY_yUtT0 Erich Anthony, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance, of the University of Tulsa joins Justin Schwind and Darius Ducre on this episode of the Collective. Coach Anthony discusses the importance of how having a great mentor and internship experience can propel your future career in the strength and conditioning profession.
April 28, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 36 – Gary Calcagno (Oklahoma State University)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 36 – Gary Calcagno (Oklahoma State University) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 36 – Gary Calcagno (Oklahoma State University)

https://youtu.be/KQA6yK8gbBQ Coach Gary Calcagno is the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning at Oklahoma State University for Football, and heads up the strength and conditioning program for OSU wrestling. Justin Schwind, Darius Ducre, and Joseph Boyd sit down to pick Coach Calcagno's brain. Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 36 – Gary Calcagno (Oklahoma State University) is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://youtu.be/KQA6yK8gbBQ Coach Gary Calcagno is the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning at Oklahoma State University for Football, and heads up the strength and conditioning…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 032 – Brendon Ziegler (CSU Bakersfield)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 032 – Brendon Ziegler (CSU Bakersfield) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 032 – Brendon Ziegler (CSU Bakersfield)

https://youtu.be/iAa5opIIJA4 This episode features Director of Sport Performance for CSU Bakersfield, Brendon Ziegler. Previously recorded early on in 2020, coach Ziegler sits down with Nate Barry to discuss his journey, the intangibles of coaching, and return to play protocols due to COVID 19 pandemic. Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 032 – Brendon Ziegler (CSU Bakersfield) is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://youtu.be/iAa5opIIJA4 This episode features Director of Sport Performance for CSU Bakersfield, Brendon Ziegler. Previously recorded early on in 2020, coach Ziegler sits down with Nate…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 035 – Nick Zostautas (UIC)
Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 035 – Nick Zostautas (UIC) Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 035 – Nick Zostautas (UIC)

https://youtu.be/zSe5KJVFw6M Matt Tometz hosts Coach Nick Zostautas, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Nick's journey is the epitome of trusting the process and making the most of every opportunity he is given. Tune in now! Samson Strength Coach Collective: Episode 035 – Nick Zostautas (UIC) is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://youtu.be/zSe5KJVFw6M Matt Tometz hosts Coach Nick Zostautas, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Nick's journey is the epitome of trusting the process and…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 30: Nick O’Brien | Fresno State
Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 30: Nick O’Brien | Fresno State Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 30: Nick O’Brien | Fresno State

https://youtu.be/DGr4PmhkQKw Nick O'Brien shares his knowledge and insights with Matt Tometz on this week's episode of the collective! Nick is responsible for the Bulldogs’ Baseball, Wrestling, and Women’s Lacrosse teams, in addition to overseeing the strength & conditioning department’s internship program. Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 30: Nick O’Brien | Fresno State is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights https://youtu.be/DGr4PmhkQKw Nick O'Brien shares his knowledge and insights with Matt Tometz on this week's episode of the collective! Nick is responsible for the Bulldogs’ Baseball, Wrestling, and Women’s…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 020 | Darien Pyka
Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 020 | Darien Pyka Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 020 | Darien Pyka

We finish up the month of August and our highlight of female leaders within the strength & conditioning industry with Darien Pyka! Coach Pyka is an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of Southern California and a certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association. She shares why she has such a passion for strength & conditioning and how being a walk-on for Loyola Marymount Women's Soccer drove that passion!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRpJoHmS7YM
September 30, 2020
Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 019 | Kelly Murphy
Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 019 | Kelly Murphy Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coach Collective Episode 019 | Kelly Murphy

Anthony Grasso sits down with Coach Kelly Murphy in this edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective. Coach Murphy is the Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning for Olympic Sports at Virginia Tech University and is certified through the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association as well as the National Strength & Conditioning Association. Coach Kelly is also a Registered Dietitian which was her primary field before becoming a strength & conditioning coach.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLfD-AIhpfU&t=58s
September 30, 2020
Samson Strength Coaches Collective Episode 8 Don Decker
Samson Strength Coaches Collective Episode 8 Don Decker Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coaches Collective Episode 8 Don Decker

Episode 008 features Coach Don Decker, the Director of Sport Performance at New Mexico State University! Coach is recognized as a Master Strength Coach from the CSCCA and also sits on their Board of Directors. With over 31 years in the industry Coach Decker brings great insight on this episode! https://youtu.be/8IFXoH0FGLU Samson Strength Coaches Collective Episode 8 Don Decker is built for strength and conditioning environments that need equipment which holds up under daily use. The current page highlights Episode 008 features Coach Don Decker, the Director of Sport Performance at New Mexico State University! Coach is recognized as a…
April 27, 2026
Samson Strength Coaches Collective Episode 4 Saul Martinez
Samson Strength Coaches Collective Episode 4 Saul Martinez Strength Coach Podcast

Samson Strength Coaches Collective Episode 4 Saul Martinez

This episode features Saul Martinez, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach and Sports Scientist for the San Francisco Giants. This young coach has put in the hard work and man hours to grow through an MLB organization. Listen to this week's episode to learn more about his approach to training professional baseball players. The Samson Strength Coach Collective will continue to grow and be an asset for all coaches looking to network and mastermind! If you are looking to be apart of this collective please do not hesitate to email us at scott@samsonequipment.com. Do you have a specific coach or coaches you…
June 25, 2020
E 003: Nate Barry ( Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Performance)
E 003: Nate Barry ( Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Performance) Strength Coach Podcast

E 003: Nate Barry ( Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Performance)

Wow! These interviews have been absolutely phenomenal! Thank you coaches for your willingness to help grow our profession and network with great minds across the field. In the coming weeks we will be featuring questions about RETURN TO TRAINING Protocol when we return from COVID restrictions. Episode 003 features Nate Barry, he is the Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Performance at Eastern Washington University. Nate has 11 years in the NCAA Division I level. In this interview you'll hear his thoughts on using technology with limited resources; how he motivates himself and players; and creating buy in for his program.…
April 21, 2023