What’s the Evidence?: Recent Episodes

Lara Boman

Vetted perspectives on research and careers in health, fitness and sport. Learn from professionals across academia, coaching, media, elite athletics, healthcare and more. Presented and facilitated by Lara Boman.

The ideas, perspectives and opinions presented by guests are their own. This podcast is not directly affiliated with any college, university or research institution. Conversations may be lightly edited for clarity and relevance.

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Kate Cohen-Maher is a PhD candidate studying the psychology of sport retirement. Her dissertation focuses on the development of a set of interactive modules that will equip NCAA and elite athletes to transition to life after sport. In this episode we discuss specific strategies revolving around identity, social support, career and more that current athletes, former athletes, coaches and staff can use to allow for success in the chapters following competition.  

In addition to her work in sport psychology, Kate is a professional powerlifter and performance coach with Juggernaut Training Systems. Kate shares methods to balance work and training and how she applies her work in sport psychology to her own competitive career. 

Want to work with Kate one-on-one? Find Kate on Instagram at @kateco220 and book a performance consult at https://www.jtsstrength.com/product/kate-cohen-1-on-1/. Check out the NCAA Life Skills resources mentioned at https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2014/10/20/life-skills.aspx. 

The ideas, perspectives and opinions presented by guests are their own. This podcast is not directly affiliated with any college, university or research institution. Conversations may be lightly edited for clarity and relevance. Find me at @laratrainsforlife!

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USA Pickleball, Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, LA 2028 and more... Haley Beddor of Beddorable Company is here to share her story of building a successful business in social media management (starting from an unexpected layoff!). Haley currently works with elite athletes, Olympians, Paralympians and national governing bodies to produce sport-focused content that tells compelling stories. 

In this episode, Haley tells the story of how Beddorable Company came to be, and how she leveraged connections to bring new business and clients in the door. She shares what it's like working with elite athletes, many of whom compete in sports that aren't necessarily in the public eye other than during the Olympics or Paralympics (track and field, archery, bobsled, rugby and more). Haley has some great tips for current athletes or businesses looking to make an impact in social media, and we chat about the role of media in helping athletes make a living. 

Follow Haley at @beddorablecompany on Instagram and work with her at beddorablecompany.com. Find me at @laratrainsforlife! 

The ideas, perspectives and opinions presented by guests are their own. This podcast is not directly affiliated with any college, university or research institution. Conversations may be lightly edited for clarity and relevance.

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Zak Ketterson is a professional cross-country skier representing Team USA on the international stage and Team Birkie domestically. 

Skiers and nonskiers alike will appreciate Zak's approach to the pursuit of success, both in sport and in life. We discuss maintaining a focus on the process, building a personal philosophy, sustaining resilience in the midst of uncertainty, and setting, achieving and resetting goals. Zak shares what it's like to spend a competitive season in Europe with the US Ski Team and how he trains for a snow sport during Minnesota summers. 

Find Zak on Instagram at @zaketterson, on Strava at https://www.strava.com/pros/zaketterson and online at zakketterson.com. Keep an eye out for him at upcoming World Cup races (or rollerskiing the streets of Minneapolis!). 

The ideas, perspectives and opinions presented by guests are their own. This podcast is not directly affiliated with any college, university or research institution. Conversations may be lightly edited for clarity and relevance. 

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Luke Pelton, PhD(c) is a researcher, educator, student, bodybuilder, and powerlifting coach. Luke's work focuses on the use and impact of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in iron sport athletes. Formal information available regarding AAS (a.k.a. steroids, cycles, gear) is limited as these substances, although widely used in some populations, are generally illegal in the US without a prescription and may carry significant health risks.  

In this episode, Luke discusses the science behind AAS, health risks, and the current state of research on and understanding of anabolic-androgenic steroids. The conversation even makes its way to outer space (hint: applications in microgravity). 

Luke shares his career path from music to exercise science, why formal research is essential, his career as a powerlifting coach (work with him now at @strong4lifeco!) and transitioning between and competing in powerlifting and bodybuilding.

The information in this episode is not intended to be taken as health advice in any way, shape or form, and the ideas, perspectives and opinions presented by guests are their own. This podcast is not directly affiliated with any college, university or research institution. Conversations may be lightly edited for clarity and relevance. 

Follow Luke on Instagram at @lukey_lifts, and train with him at @strong4lifeco. Find me at @laratrainsforlife! 

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Craig Nolletti started and operates two warehouse-style gyms and one Crossfit gym in Northeast Ohio. We discuss his journey from a small rented space with a handful of visitors to building and maintaining multiple facilities with 1500+ members. 

Craig shares what it takes both day-to-day and year-to-year to grow as a business, to reach potential members, to stay up-to-date and to weather challenges both expected and unexpected. We discuss the 24 hour gym model vs. Crossfit, finding meaning in work, defining success as a business owner, member transformations, and general tips for gym owners. 

Find Craig on Instagram at @craignolletti, and check out his gyms at @ashlandwarehousegym, @woosterwarehousegym and @crossfit_419.  

The ideas, perspectives and opinions presented by guests are their own. This podcast is not directly affiliated with any college, university or research institution. Conversations may be lightly edited for clarity and relevance. Find me on Instagram at @laratrainsforlife!

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Becca Sparkman, DPT is an early-career physical therapist working in sports medicine in San Diego, California. We discuss Becca's experiences and educational path, emphasizing potential opportunities in sports medicine for current high school, undergraduate or graduate students.

Becca shares insights on study skills, shadowing, internships, gap years, future workforce trends (found at https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/workforce-projections) and the transition from PT school to (you guessed it!) working as a PT. If you’re interested in or working towards a career in PT and/or sports medicine, this episode is aimed at you.

The ideas, perspectives and opinions presented by guests are their own. This podcast is not directly affiliated with any college, university or research institution. Conversations may be lightly edited for clarity and relevance.

Find me on Instagram at @laratrainsforlife!

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Today we briefly discuss what to expect on "What's the Evidence?" and who I (Lara!) am. 

We'll be spotlighting professionals across health, fitness and sport fields; focusing on research-backed perspectives, career experiences, and advice for any lifelong learner. You can expect to find interviews with individuals working in academia, strength and conditioning, sport media, healthcare, elite athletics and coaching. 

I'm a current Exercise Physiology PhD student, a past Olympic Trials finalist and university instructor... aaaand you'll have to listen to the episode to find out more!  

0:08: What to Expect on What's the Evidence? 

0:42: Who I Am! 

2:03: How to Connect... 

Instagram: @laratrainsforlife