Finding Small Wins: Recent Episodes
Dr. Adam Loiacono
Pulling back the curtain on sports to upgrade health & performance. Dr. Adam Loiacono discusses not only the X's & O's of successful sports training and rehab, but also explores how industry leaders & experts are finding small wins that contribute to the success along the way. Adam will even share some insight into some challenges that happen behind the scenes that can influence the health & performance of not only athletes, but everyday life.
Today I am joined by Tyler Lesher—an athletic trainer and performance specialist whose career spans the NBA, the G League, and one of the most intense environments in college sports: UCLA men’s basketball.
He’s now a private-sector performance therapist, creator of the Advanced Rehab Certification, and a mentor helping sports medicine professionals build both clinical mastery and entrepreneurial skill.
Tyler has seen every version of this field—from low-resource grind to high-pressure elite sport—and he brings a rare, unfiltered view of what actually shapes great practitioners. Inside today’s episode, you’ll learn three powerful lessons.
First, why the biggest career unlock isn’t more skills—it’s reframing your identity beyond your job title.
Second, how consistency, not complexity, drives both athletic performance and professional growth.
And third, why the future of sports medicine belongs to practitioners who combine technical mastery with business acumen—because the value you create shouldn’t be limited by the structure you work in.
This is a conversation for anyone who wants to grow past the traditional model and build a career with longevity, autonomy, and impact.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
For those who don’t know her, Dr. Courtney Johnson — better known online asThe Female Athlete Doc— is one of the leading voices in modern pelvic health and women’s performance. She’s a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a strength and conditioning specialist, and the founder of a 360wellness - a company that’s helping female athletes around the world lift heavier, run faster, and live without the symptoms they’ve been told are “normal.”
Her blend of clinical expertise, coaching skills, and entrepreneurial grit is what encouraged me to reach out to connect for a conversation. She also has this contagious energy that I now you will enjoy during the conversation.
In today’s conversation, you’re going to learn three big lessons.
First, why pelvic floor dysfunction often shows up in athletes who look strong on the outside — and how to recognize the early warning signs.
Second, how breathing mechanics, core control, and pressure management directly impact performance, recovery, and longevity.
And third, the business side: how Courtney built a scalable, virtual model that’s changing access to women’s health and creating new career paths for rehab professionals.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Adam Parr’s journey through Major League Soccer spans over a decade — from early heart-rate monitoring days at Chivas USA, to leading performance and sport science roles in Minnesota, San Jose, and now Charlotte. He’s is one of the practitioners who has lived the full spectrum: strength coach, sports scientist, high-performance director, and architect of long-term development pathways across academy, second-team, and first-team environments.
In this episode, Adam and I dive into three crucial lessons shaping the future of performance in pro soccer.
- First, why total distance is no longer a meaningful metric — and how acceleration loads, deceleration counts, and work-rate profiles give a far clearer picture of physical demand.
- Second, how load management must consider growth and maturation, especially when developing young athletes through peak-height-velocity windows.
- And third, why true applied sport science lives between the laptop and the training pitch — taking information from GPS, training design, and physical profiling to make decisions that keep players both healthy and available.
This conversation is about where the sport is going — and why smarter data beats more data every time.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Dr. Garrison Draper’s story spans from small-town Wisconsin to the highest levels of professional soccer. A collegiate athlete turned sports scientist, he’s worked with MLS giants including Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami, and now FC Cincinnati, helping shape performance cultures around world-class players — even icons like Lionel Messi.
Today, Garrison serves as Vice President of Sport Performance and Health and holds a PhD in Sports Science, blending data, culture, and human connection to redefine athlete care. He’s also the co-founder of the PSPA — the Professional Soccer Performance Association — building a global network of practitioners who are advancing the profession from the inside out.
In this conversation, we dive into three key insights:
- Redefining Sports Science — why it’s more than load management and how communication, storytelling, and empathy make it work.
- Lessons from Superstars and Miami — how elite performance demands cultural understanding, not just data.
- The Future of Athlete Care — from player data ownership to mental health and the next evolution of sports science in MLS.
This conversation is a masterclass in what modern performance really means — blending technology, human behavior, and genuine care for the athlete.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Dr. Matt Midkiff’s path to sports physical therapy didn’t follow a straight line.
He was a college soccer player at Westmont, a youth coach who built one of Arizona’s top club programs, and today he’s a leading sports PT who helps young athletes stay healthy and competitive.
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, we dive deep into the youth soccer ecosystem — where passion meets pressure.
You’ll learn three key lessons from Matt’s experience:
First, why collaboration between parents, coaches, and providers is the missing link in youth athlete development.
Second, how the pay-to-play model and overloaded schedules are quietly creating injury epidemics.
And third, the practical fixes — from communication templates to smarter training periods — that can keep kids performing without breaking down.
Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or a clinician, this conversation is a reminder that the next generation’s success depends not on more games — but on better guidance.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Steve Tashjian’s career began on the treatment table — as a physical therapist helping athletes rebuild, recover, and return stronger. That foundation in human performance carried him into the pressure cooker of professional sport, where he spent years with the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, before stepping onto an even bigger stage as High-Performance Director for Everton FC in the Premier League and later with the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Now, through his leadership and performance consultancy, The Elevation Project, Steve applies those same lessons from the field to the boardroom — working with organizations like Stanley, Lego, and others to redefine what high performance looks like under pressure.
In this conversation, Steve reveals how elite leaders and teams endure when the stakes rise.
- We explore how pressure isn’t the enemy but a signal for alignment
- Why systems and processes become your anchor in uncertainty
- How the best leaders stay people-first — even when the environment isn’t.
From the locker room to the corporate stage, Steve Tashjian shows that true high performance isn’t about escaping chaos — it’s about learning to thrive within it.
Want to come hang with Adam and Steve? Join us this December 11-13 in Atlanta, GA for the Pro Soccer Performance Association (PSPA) annual event! https://www.pspa-performance.com/conference
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Today’s guest is Molly Binetti, the Director of Women’s Basketball Performance at the University of South Carolina — one of the most dominant programs in college basketball.
Over eight seasons with the Gamecocks, she’s helped build a championship culture grounded in consistency, connection, and care.
Molly’s approach to training goes far beyond sets and reps. Her philosophy centers on coaching the human first — creating environments where athletes feel empowered, not commanded.
In this conversation, we explore:
- how NIL is reshaping college sports
- how leadership evolves when athletes become brands
- and why autonomy and trust are the real competitive advantages in high-performance environments.
From the chaos of her first season to Final Fours and Championships, Molly shares how great programs aren’t built on control — they’re built on collaboration.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Dr. Pat Davidson is a rare mix of scientist and athlete. He earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, taught at Springfield College, and has coached athletes from MMA to the NFL.
He’s competed in strongman, bodybuilding, and still trains like a scientist testing his own data.
Pat’s ability to translate complex biomechanics into practical systems has made him one of the most respected minds in modern strength and conditioning.
In this episode, we explore three key ideas that will reshape how you train:
First, why torque, not load, determines true mechanical tension and growth.
Second, how training muscles in lengthened positions doubles the stimulus for hypertrophy.
And third, how volume, stability, and exercise selection form the framework for smart, sustainable progress.
Get ready to rethink the way you build muscle, prevent injury, and understand the physics of strength.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Today I am joined by Dr. Cassidy Papa, Performance Physical Therapist for the Charlotte Hornets. A former Stanford water-polo athlete, Cassidy earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from USC, completed a sports residency, and later a Division I fellowship at Wake Forest—all experiences that shaped her expertise in elite performance rehab.
She’s part of a new wave of NBA clinicians blending data, biomechanics, and teamwork to redefine how athletes recover and perform.Cassidy shares her path from water polo to the NBA sidelines, lessons in collaboration, and how technology and trust shape athlete care.
Together, we explore what it means to build longevity, adapt under pressure, and find small wins inside the world of the NBA.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Today’s guest is Jarred Boyd, a clinician-turned performance therapist whose path has taken him from outpatient physical therapy clinics all the way into the trenches of the NBA. Over seven seasons—and countless hours in training rooms and practice courts—he’s refined a nuanced lens on how we think about rehab, performance, and injury risk.
Jarred doesn’t accept the blanket slogan “rehab = training.” Instead, he suggests rehab is about managing risk and restoring lost capacity, while training is about pushing boundaries to build new capacity. That seemingly small distinction changes the way we make decisions—what we’re willing to challenge, what we’re cautious about, and when we lean in or hold back.
In this episode, we’ll unpack:
- Why variability (metabolic, mechanical) is critical for both performance and longevity
- How Jarred’s “pluralism, essentialism, adaptive intent” framework guides program design
- The real cost of binary thinking—how we lose chance for innovation when we oversimplify
- And practical takeaways you can use, whether you coach, rehab, or train athletes of any level
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance: @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Start your journey to better performance and rehab insights by visiting www.AdamLoiacono.com and follow along on Instagram at @adam.loiacono for more behind-the-scenes education from sports and human performance.
In this episode, Adam sits down with Dr. Jennifer Reiner-Marcello, a sports chiropractor with over 20 years of experience in professional baseball, collegiate athletics, and private performance rehab. Together, they dive deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in movement science—posture—and challenge the outdated notions of “good vs. bad” movement.
You’ll learn why posture is simply the body’s response to load, sport, and environment, and how performance professionals must stop forcing perfect alignment and start appreciating adaptive capacity. Dr. Marcello breaks down the concept of narrow vs. wide archetypes, explains how training affects rotational athletes differently, and offers real-world case studies from her work with MLB pitchers.
They discuss manual therapy, positional assessment, and movement retraining—tying them together across the rehab-performance continuum. You’ll hear candid takes on DNS, PRI, FMS, and SFMA and learn how Dr. Marcello integrates these models into her individualized programming strategies.
Why posture isn’t “good” or “bad”—and why it just is
How Jen's journey from UCSD to MLB shaped her holistic philosophy
The critical difference between narrow and wide archetypes in programming
How posture and movement are adaptations to sport—not dysfunctions
When and how to intervene on movement patterns in elite athletes
The blending of manual therapy, exercise, and performance work across the continuum
Jen’s take on DNS, PRI, SFMA, and FMS—and how she integrates their best parts
Why pitchers are uniquely sensitive to small mechanical changes
Case study: how changing training strategy helped a 6’9” MLB pitcher regain velocity
Advice for clinicians and athletes on building their own movement awareness
This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in sports rehab, physical therapy, or performance training.
🎧 Listen now, and for more exclusive insights and upcoming episodes, visit the podcast hub at: adamloiacono.com/category/podcast
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Visit www.AdamLoiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram at @adam.loiacono for more tools, education, and behind-the-scenes insights into sports rehab, performance, and recovery.
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Adam Loiacono sits down with Anthony Kjenstad, founder of Firefly Recovery, to explore the science and simplicity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in sports recovery and post-op recovery.
From his start in orthopedic devices to landing a successful pitch on Shark Tank, Anthony shares the journey of Firefly—from medical necessity to high-performance essential. The two unpack the physiology behind NMES and its head-to-head comparisons with pneumatic compression boots. Whether it’s reducing swelling overnight, enhancing fluid movement on long flights, or even accelerating recovery post-pitch for MLB and NFL athletes, this conversation covers it all.
Adam and Anthony also discuss how understanding the principles of circulation and muscle activation unlock countless uses—from managing stiffness post-surgery to supporting sleep recovery.
For exclusive podcast notes, head to adamloiacono.com/category/podcast
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Start optimizing your other 22 hours by heading to www.AdamLoiacono.com and following Adam on Instagram at @adam.loiacono!
In this powerhouse episode of Finding Small Wins, Adam Loiacono is joined by performance health specialist Nate Barry for a deep-dive conversation that goes far beyond sets and reps. Nate’s experience working with elite NFL and MLB athletes has driven him into the world of functional and precision medicine, where he now specializes in helping individuals thrive by leveraging diagnostics, mitochondrial health, light exposure, grounding, and recovery routines that actually move the needle.
This episode pulls back the curtain on the strategies used by the world’s best athletes—and how everyday people can apply them. From defining recovery as “returning to homeostasis,” to highlighting how circadian rhythms, blue light, and magnetism directly impact health, Nate delivers science-backed, simple changes anyone can implement today. Learn what labs matter, why mitochondria are your body’s battery, and how a walk outside barefoot might be the best supplement you’re not taking.
If you’re a physical therapist, coach, or simply someone who cares about their long-term performance, this episode is packed with takeaways.
🎧 Don’t miss a single insight—go to adamloiacono.com/category/podcast for exclusive podcast content, resources, and show notes!
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Start optimizing your health today! Visit www.AdamLoiacono.com for insights on performance, rehab, and mentorship. Follow Adam on Instagram at @adam.loiacono for more expert-driven content.
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, host Adam Loiacono sits down with Dr. Jesse Greer, a former Army Rangers doctor turned CEO of Preamble Medicine in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Greer shares his journey from treating soldiers in the Special Forces to pioneering a proactive, data-driven approach to healthcare.
They dive deep into preventative medicine, performance optimization, and Medicine 3.0, exploring how the strategies used to keep elite military personnel and professional athletes performing at their best can be applied to everyday health and longevity.
Topics include:
✅ The impact of chronic stress and overtraining on metabolic health
✅ What athletes and high performers get wrong about recovery
✅ How GLP-1 inhibitors (Ozempic, Mounjaro) fit into the health equation
✅ The critical role of muscle mass, VO2 max, and mobility in longevity
✅ Why the current healthcare model is failing proactive individuals
Dr. Greer explains why preventative medicine should be the new standard and how his clinic helps individuals take charge of their long-term health.
🎙️ Want more exclusive podcast content? Visit this link for full show notes and insights.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Looking to upgrade your health and performance? Get expert insights from Adam Loiacono at www.AdamLoiacono.com and follow him on Instagram at @adam.loiacono.
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, host Dr. Adam Loiacono welcomes Alex Hubelbank, a former NBA physical therapist turned private sports rehab expert. Alex shares her unique journey—from working on the team side in the NBA to supporting elite athletes in the private space. She breaks down the realities of professional sports medicine, the complexities of team vs. private athlete care, and the challenges of maintaining performance while navigating the business of pro sports.
Alex and Adam dive deep into:
✔️ The pressures and decision-making processes in NBA rehab
✔️ Why NBA athletes seek outside support for continuity of care
✔️ The evolving role of private practitioners in pro sports
✔️ The importance of athlete education and advocacy in rehab
✔️ How teams, private practitioners, and players can work together more effectively
If you're an athlete, therapist, or performance coach, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.
🎧 Tune in now and discover how to take control of your performance and rehab journey!
For exclusive Finding Small Wins podcast content, visit: https://adamloiacono.com/category/podcast/
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Want to improve your performance and recovery? Start with your gut! Visit https://adamloiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/adam.loiacono for more expert insights.
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, host Adam Loiacono sits down with Maggie Awad, NP, a functional sports medicine specialist who works with elite athletes to optimize health and performance through gut health. Maggie shares her powerful journey into functional medicine, driven by personal tragedy and a passion for uncovering the root causes of health issues.
They dive into the gut-brain connection, explaining how gut health impacts energy, performance, and recovery. Maggie reveals why overtraining can lead to leaky gut, the role of short-chain fatty acids in fueling performance, and how stress, diet, and lifestyle choices influence gut health. Plus, they discuss colostrum, creatine, and supplement quality control—what’s actually worth taking?
Whether you're a pro athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone trying to optimize your health, this episode will equip you with science-backed strategies to improve energy levels, reduce inflammation, and enhance recovery.
📢 Don’t miss exclusive insights and podcast updates! Check out https://adamloiacono.com for more expert-driven conversations on sports performance and health.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Looking to elevate your training and recovery game? Head over to www.AdamLoiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram at @adam.loiacono for exclusive insights into sports performance, rehab, and high-performance training.
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Adam sits down with Natalie Collars, a top-tier performance coach and founder of Fortis, to pull back the curtain on NFL offseason training. From her days at EXOS to running her own elite training business, Natalie shares her unique perspective on athletic preparation, sports science, and nutrition.
You’ll hear how she structures training blocks for NFL athletes, why data and technology are key to optimizing performance, and how she balances strength, speed, and recovery in the ever-evolving sports landscape. Plus, we dive into nutrition strategies, testing protocols, and why hiring a coach is one of the best investments athletes can make.
Whether you're a coach, therapist, or athlete, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you train smarter, recover better, and perform at your best.
🎧 Don’t miss future episodes! Get exclusive podcast content here:
👉 https://adamloiacono.com/category/podcast/
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Upgrade your training & performance today at www.AdamLoiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram
MMA is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, requiring elite strength, endurance, and adaptability. In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Adam sits down with Dr. Austin Schoen, a sports chiropractor and performance coach specializing in combat sports. Together, they break down the science of MMA training, including how the UFC Performance Institute is revolutionizing fighter preparation with data-driven strength & conditioning strategies.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The difference between strength training for grapplers vs. strikers
How heart rate zones change based on training modality (running vs. biking vs. swimming)
The biggest predictor of injury in MMA fighters
How elite fighters manage year-round training cycles
Why movement efficiency matters more than textbook technique
If you want to improve your own training and recovery strategies, this episode is a must-listen!
🎧 Listen now & find exclusive podcast content at adamloiacono.com/category/podcast
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Unlock Your Performance Potential – Visit AdamLoiacono.com for elite training insights and follow Adam on Instagram at @adam.loiacono.
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Adam sits down with Brady Howe, a seasoned expert in sports medicine and performance training, to unpack his career spanning from the G-League to the NBA and back to college athletics. Brady’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and hard-earned wisdom—from driving team buses in the minor leagues to leading NBA health and performance strategies.
Adam and Brady dive deep into:
- The evolution of sports performance from college to pro leagues
- How networking (done right) can shape career opportunities
- The realities of working in the NBA, G-League, and college athletics
- How NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) is reshaping college sports
- The impact of mental performance and sports psychology on rehab
Brady also shares his biggest lessons learned in leadership, burnout, and career pivots—offering invaluable advice for young professionals in sports performance, strength & conditioning, and athletic training.
🎧 Don’t miss this insightful conversation! For more exclusive podcast content, visit: Finding Small Wins Podcast Hub.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
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Ready to take your health and performance to the next level? Visit www.AdamLoiacono.com and connect with Adam on Instagram at @adam.loiacono.
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, host Adam Loiacono sits down with Charles Ashford, Director of Performance Nutrition for the Dallas Mavericks, to uncover how elite athletes optimize their nutrition for performance, recovery, and longevity. From his early career at Texas Tech University to managing the nutritional needs of NBA players, Charles shares his journey and philosophy.
This conversation covers the groundbreaking Quadrant Nutrition system, which segments fueling strategies into Adapt, Perform, Prime, and Recover phases. Charles provides practical advice for adapting nutrition to daily demands and emphasizes the importance of flexibility in meal planning. He also discusses how dietary trends like collagen supplementation and plant-based eating have evolved, and how to navigate their complexities.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, professional athlete, or someone looking to optimize your health, Charles offers invaluable insights into building sustainable nutrition strategies. You’ll learn how to implement small, actionable upgrades that make a significant impact.
Find exclusive insights and episode highlights at adamloiacono.com/category/podcast, and don't miss this opportunity to level up your nutrition game.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
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Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
To learn more visit AdamLoiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram @adam.loiacono. In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Dr. Adam Loiacono talks to Joel Jamieson, a world-renowned performance coach and the founder of 8 Weeks Out. They discuss the science of conditioning, from heart rate variability (HRV) to aerobic capacity, and the vital role these play in optimizing athletic performance.
Joel shares his expertise on the difference between fitness and conditioning, explaining how to develop a framework for progression that leads to peak performance. They also delve into the importance of recovery, offering practical tips for monitoring key metrics like resting heart rate and HRV. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you maximize your potential.
For exclusive podcast content, visit adamloiacono.com/category/podcast.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Upgrade your game! Visit AdamLoiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram @adam.loiacono for more insights. In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Dr. Adam Loiacono is joined by David Tenney, a high-performance director with extensive experience in MLS and the NBA. They dive deep into tactical periodization, a game-changing approach to training that integrates physical, cognitive, and emotional preparation.
David shares how this methodology enhances performance in soccer and other sports, drawing on his leadership roles at Austin FC, Orlando Magic, and Seattle Sounders. The conversation touches on load management, the importance of cognitive diversity in teams, and the nuances of transitioning between leagues. Learn how tactical periodization influences not only athletic performance but also injury recovery and return to play strategies.
Don’t miss out on exclusive podcast content at adamloiacono.com/category/podcast.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Elevate your performance and rehab strategies! Visit AdamLoiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram @adam.loiacono. In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Dr. Adam Loiacono sits down with Daniel Bodkin, a leader in isokinetic testing and Director of Clinical Education for HUMAC Norm. Daniel shares his journey from military service to becoming a recognized expert in performance profiling, providing insights into isokinetics’ role in modern rehab and athletic training.
They explore how isokinetic testing improves strength, rate of force development, and rehabilitation outcomes, as well as its applications in return-to-play protocols. Learn why eccentric strength and torque development are critical for performance and injury prevention.
Get exclusive podcast content at adamloiacono.com/category/podcast.
Sign up for the FREE 3P Injury Prevention Toolkit at www.AdamLoiacono.com
Follow Adam on Instagram for the latest insights on injury prevention and performance @Adam.Loiacono
For FREE Webinars, rehab tips, and performance plans, check out Adam's YouTube channel
Looking to upgrade your hydration? Check out SkyMD and use discount code ADAM20
Tired of taking multiple pills as part of your supplement routine? Check out ProBio and receive 20% off!
Need a trusted supplement to improve your health and performance? Go to out Momentus.com for 35% off your first subscription!
Want to enhance your recovery? Grab a pair of FireFly recovery straps today!
Take your performance training to the next level! Visit AdamLoiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram @adam.loiacono.
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Dr. Adam Loiacono welcomes Dr. Rob Gray, a leading expert in motor learning and skill acquisition. They explore the ecological approach to coaching, discussing how perception and variability enhance skill development. Rob shares practical strategies for incorporating these principles into sports training, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation. Learn about the revolutionary shift in coaching methodology and how it’s transforming performance in and out of sports.
Discover why repetition without repetition matters, and how small adjustments in training environments lead to big gains. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or rehab specialist, this episode offers actionable insights to upgrade your skills and mindset.
Don’t miss exclusive podcast content at adamloiacono.com/category/podcast. Tune in, learn, and take your next small win!
Start optimizing your own movement today by visiting https://www.adamloiacono.com for exclusive performance programs and resources.
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In this episode of The Finding Small Wins Podcast, Dr. Adam Loiacono chats with movement expert and physical therapist Zac Cupples. They dive deep into how simple, practical solutions can make profound impacts on movement, posture, and athletic performance. Zac discusses the science behind fluid dynamics, pressure, and how movement is key to improving both health and performance.
Start optimizing your own movement today by visiting https://www.adamloiacono.com for exclusive performance programs and resources.
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In this episode of The Finding Small Wins Podcast, Dr. Adam Loiacono sits down with elite sprint coach Derek Hansen to explore the world of speed training and hamstring rehabilitation. Derek shares his expert insights on early rehab strategies, return to play, and his renowned 10x10 test for sprinting. Tune in to discover practical tips on maximizing performance, reducing injury risk, and speeding up recovery for athletes at all levels.
Key Topics:
Derek’s approach to sprint training and injury prevention
Early activities for hamstring rehab and recovery
The 10x10 test and its role in improving speed and return to play
Tune into https://adamloiacono.com for exclusive podcast details!
In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Dr. Adam Loiacono sits down with Dr. Meg Byrne, a chiropractic physician with a unique approach to care that goes beyond the traditional scope of chiropractic practice. Dr. Byrne shares her journey from playing collegiate soccer to pursuing a career in chiropractic and acupuncture, integrating her knowledge of functional medicine and nutrition into her practice.
Together, Adam and Dr. Byrne explore the evolution of chiropractic care, debunk common misconceptions, and dive deep into manual therapy techniques, including joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and acupuncture. Dr. Byrne explains how she integrates multiple modalities to provide comprehensive care, highlighting the importance of understanding the nervous system’s role in musculoskeletal health.
The episode also touches on innovative therapies like Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, which Dr. Byrne uses to accelerate recovery and reduce pain in patients. Whether you're curious about the science behind chiropractic care or how acupuncture and modern technologies like PEMF can support recovery, this episode provides valuable insights for healthcare providers and patients alike.
Orthobiologics fill the gap between conservative treatments and surgery in sports medicine.
Understanding the difference between inflammation and degeneration is crucial in determining the appropriate use of orthobiologics.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, and microvascular tubules are some of the orthobiologics used in sports medicine.
Stem cell injections have variability and potential risks, especially when seeking treatment abroad.
Orthobiologics can help slow down the degenerative process in musculoskeletal injuries. Understanding the difference between curative processes and treatments is important in orthobiologics.
Patient selection and setting realistic expectations are crucial in orthobiologic treatments.
Individualized treatment plans should consider factors such as cost, efficacy, and the specific injury or condition being treated.
Future advancements in orthobiologics may include regenerating cartilage and creating bioidentical knees.
Proper nutrition is crucial in the rehabilitation process for athletes.
Adjusting caloric intake, protein, and carbohydrate levels can support healing and prevent unnecessary weight gain.
Antioxidants play a role in managing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
Supplementation with fish oil (EPA and DHA) and curcumin can provide additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Including more fruits and vegetables in the diet can increase antioxidant intake. SPMs and curcumin can help manage inflammation in acute injuries
HMB may be beneficial for preserving muscle mass during periods of inactivity
Collagen supplementation may support tendon and ligament health
Hydration is important for tissue recovery and overall health
Calcium, magnesium, and copper play a role in bone health
Nutrition and supplementation may support brain health and recovery from concussions Nutrition plays a crucial role in the rehab process and can optimize healing and performance.
Finding a balanced approach and what works best for each individual is key.
Supplements such as creatine, leucine, beets, glutamine, and fish oil can be beneficial for rehab and overall performance.
The use of NSAIDs should be carefully considered due to potential negative effects on gut health.
Favorite sporting events include the World Series and the World Cup.
Favorite cities for travel include New York, New Orleans, and Miami.
Small wins along the rehab process can provide motivation and progress towards larger goals.
Finding the right balance between nutrition and other interventions is essential for long-term success.
Engaging in outdoor activities and exploring cities can enhance the overall experience of working in professional sports.
For exclusive podcast details, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com
Setting goals and tailoring treatment plans are essential in physical therapy to meet the individual needs of each client.
Understanding shoe wear in the fitness world is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.
The design of a shoe should consider factors such as heel drop, cushioning, and stability to match the specific activity or sport.
Simplifying anatomy and physiology can help a broader audience understand the science behind stretching and movement. Flexibility and instruction have often been misunderstood and taken a bad rap, but they can be effective when approached with the right knowledge and understanding.
Writing a book on stretching allowed Leada to address common questions and misconceptions about stretching and provide a comprehensive guide for readers.
Injury risk reduction is a more accurate term than injury prevention, as it acknowledges that injuries can still occur but can be minimized through various factors.
Understanding load management and individualized approaches are key in injury risk reduction and optimizing performance.
Small wins, such as inspiring someone to try physical therapy or completing a project, can be meaningful and motivating in the journey of healthcare and entrepreneurship.
KEY TOPICS
Managing anxiety and performance anxiety is crucial for athletes' mental well-being and performance.
Breathing exercises and visualization can help athletes reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Athletes often struggle with their identity when they are removed from their sport, and it is important to support them during this transition.
Periodizing psychological skills, such as breathing and visualization, can help athletes manage pressure and enhance performance.
Creating protocols and plans can help reduce pressure and ensure consistent and effective care for athletes. Integrating visualization and skills training can enhance performance in sports.
Quantifying the impact of psychological skills in a game-like situation is challenging, but research shows the benefits.
Motivation in athletes can be fostered by addressing their intrinsic desires and needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness.
Listening to athletes and understanding their individual experiences is crucial for their development and building trust.
Small wins in sports include winning championships and creating a culture of vulnerability and support.
Head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com for exclusive podcast content!
Data has revolutionized the fields of nutrition, training, and rehabilitation, providing a more holistic and individualized approach to health and performance.
Language plays a critical role in shaping our perception and understanding of health and performance, and it is important to use language that empowers athletes and promotes a growth mindset.
Data integration involves collecting and integrating various data streams into a single platform, while data optimization focuses on curating and organizing the data for analysis and decision-making.
Early adoption of data optimization and integration can provide a significant advantage in improving outcomes and facilitating more efficient and effective decision-making.
Athlete management systems, such as Kitman Labs, offer comprehensive platforms that integrate and optimize data to support performance improvement and injury prevention. Adaptation is key in sports partnerships, as it allows for meeting the evolving needs of athletes and teams.
Curiosity and constant learning are essential for growth and improvement in the field of sports performance.
Data plays a crucial role in making informed coaching decisions and optimizing performance.
Setting goals, having a clear process, and celebrating small wins are important for sustained success.
Success and its significance vary from person to person, and it's important to recognize and respect that.
Setting micro-intentions can help improve focus and productivity in daily tasks.
Helping others achieve their goals is a rewarding experience that brings joy and fulfillment.
Mental wellness and health are critical for high-performance athletes.
Talent identification and character assessment are important in hiring personnel and acquiring players.
The 11th to 15th players on a team play a crucial role in building culture and supporting leadership.
Toxic positivity undermines the validity of positive messages, while good vibes involve honest feedback and a balance between positive and constructive criticism. Focusing on both positive and constructive feedback is essential for improving performance.
Analyzing interviews and conversations can provide objective information about a person's character traits.
Words are data and can offer insights into a person's thoughts and feelings.
Artificial intelligence and natural language processing can be used to analyze interviews more efficiently.
Balancing intuition and expertise is crucial in decision-making.
Embracing ambiguity is necessary for making thorough and accurate assessments.
Creating a high performance environment requires clearly defined priorities, measured success, cooperation, and shared leadership responsibility.
High performance personnel should possess expert knowledge, communication skills, empathy, collaboration, attention to detail, motivation, and a cultural fit.
Challenges that can lead to unsuccessful environments include internal communication issues and unclear expectations. Effective communication and relationships are crucial in high-performance environments.
Translating rationality into emotion is essential for successful communication.
Trust and clear, direct communication are key to resolving issues and achieving success.
Simplifying the high-performance environment and focusing on high-impact innovations is the future.
Celebrating small wins and creating a sense of belonging within the team are important for motivation and success.
For more episode information and other content, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com
In this conversation, Adam interviews Brook Choulet, a sports and performance psychiatrist, about mental health in sports. They discuss the different credentials in the mental health field, the challenges athletes face in terms of isolation and mental well-being, and the integration of mental health and physical performance. They also explore the concepts of mental health, mental wellness, mental illness, and mental performance. Brook emphasizes the importance of education, collaboration, and creating a safe space for athletes to be vulnerable. She also shares advice for achieving high performance and finding small wins.
Takeaways
There are various credentials in the mental health field, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and certified mental performance consultants.
Athletes often face isolation and struggle with mental well-being despite the perception of a glamorous life.
Integration of mental health and physical performance is crucial in sports, and it requires education, collaboration, and creating a safe space for athletes to be vulnerable.
Mental health refers to overall psychological well-being, while mental wellness is multidimensional and includes physical, emotional, social, and occupational dimensions.
Mental skills training takes mental health to the next level and focuses on building resilience, confidence, and enhancing mental and physical performance.
To achieve high performance, it is important to have a clear vision, set realistic goals, and focus on small wins.
Finding a balance between vulnerability and oversharing is essential in building genuine connections and trust.
Acknowledging and celebrating small wins can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
00:00 Introduction and Credentials
06:44 Understanding Mental Health, Wellness, Illness, and Performance
12:14 Psychological Readiness and Return to Play
26:43 Optimizing Integration of Mental Health in Team Environments
For complete episode information and more content, head on over to AdamLoiacono.com
In this conversation, Adam and Trevor discuss the return to sport process and the principles that guide their approach. They talk about the importance of balancing biology and criteria, with a focus on understanding healing timelines and the specific criteria needed for each sport. They emphasize the need for athletes to meet certain benchmarks, such as quad strength, acceleration, max velocity, change of direction, and jumping ability. They also highlight the significance of strength training in the return to sport process and the potential pitfalls of not getting athletes strong enough. Overall, their approach is rooted in respecting biology while working towards specific criteria and goals.
In this conversation, Adam and Trevor discuss the challenges and considerations in return to play and rehabilitation. They highlight the importance of focusing on strength and building a solid foundation before progressing to more advanced activities. They also discuss the role of capacity and fitness in the rehab process and the need for better communication and collaboration between practitioners. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the current state of the industry and the hope for improved standards and criteria for return to play. Small wins and the importance of individualized programming are also emphasized.
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
07:10 Trevor's Journey to Dunking
15:09 Balancing Biology and Criteria
34:03 The Role of Capacity and Fitness
45:49 Celebrating Small Wins
For complete episode info and more content, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com
In this conversation, Adam and Jarryd discuss Jarryd's journey in the soccer world, particularly his experience with an expansion team and the challenges they face. They also talk about the integration of performance and coaching, managing expectations, and the importance of self-improvement. Jarryd emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to player development and the importance of teamwork and attitude. They also touch on the growth of soccer in America and its potential for the future.
The challenges of starting with an expansion team include building everything from scratch and growing at an appropriate speed.
Success in soccer comes down to attitude and teamwork requires selflessness.
A holistic approach to player development, integrating performance and coaching, is crucial for building resilient athletes.
Small wins each day, such as focusing on self-improvement and embracing the journey, contribute to sustained success.
Soccer in America is evolving and becoming more ubiquitous, with potential for further growth in the future.
00:00 Jarryd's Journey and Challenges of an Expansion Team
08:40 The Difference Between an Expansion Team and an Established Club
27:29 Starting Where You Are and Self-Improvement
For full episode details and content, go to www.AdamLoiacono.com for more!
Chad Kolarcik shares his journey into professional sports and his transition out of it. He discusses the return to play process and the balance between maintaining performance qualities and allowing the injury to recover. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the performance and medical teams, as well as putting the athlete at the center of the decision-making process. Chad also highlights the challenges of working in sports, including the sacrifices required in terms of personal and family life. Chad Kolarcik shares his insights on achieving work-life balance in the sports industry and the importance of clarity and acceptance in professional sports.
He emphasizes the need for clear communication and setting expectations in organizations. Chad also discusses the impact of competition on the sports industry and the emotional toll it can take on individuals. He shares techniques for managing stress and maintaining emotional well-being. Chad reflects on his own journey of self-discovery and the realization that his identity is not solely defined by his work in sports. He offers advice on how to judge success in the sports industry and highlights the importance of foundational principles such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, hydration, and moments of stillness. Chad concludes by discussing the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from winning championships and his favorite cities and stadiums in the sports world.
Collaboration between the performance and medical teams is crucial in the return to play process.
The athlete should be at the center of the decision-making process, with the final say in their own care.
Managing external pressures and helping athletes navigate them is an important aspect of the job.
The end stage rehab process involves replicating the intensities and demands of the sport to prepare the athlete for competition.
Working in sports can be fun and rewarding, but it also requires sacrifices in terms of personal and family life. Clear communication and setting expectations are crucial in achieving work-life balance in the sports industry.
Competition is a fundamental aspect of sports, and the emotional toll it can take on individuals should be acknowledged and managed.
Techniques such as accessing the heart's energetic center can help manage emotional situations and prevent emotional depletion.
Self-discovery and recognizing one's identity beyond their work in sports is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.
Success in the sports industry should be judged based on individual roles and responsibilities, with consideration for the work done outside of team results.
Foundational principles such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, hydration, and moments of stillness are key to improving health and performance.
Choosing moments of discomfort and embracing change can lead to personal growth and success.
Winning championships brings a sense of joy and accomplishment in the sports industry.
Favorite cities include Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, and favorite stadiums include Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta and soccer-specific stadiums like Providence Park in Portland and Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City.
00:00 Chad's Journey into Professional Sports
09:59 Collaboration and Athlete-Led Care
16:26 Balancing Performance and Injury Recovery
31:06 The Joys and Challenges of Working in Sports
37:04 Achieving Work-Life Balance in the Sports Industry
43:18 Techniques for Managing Stress and Emotional Well-Being
50:49 Judging Success in the Sports Industry
56:07 Embracing Discomfort and Personal Growth
01:00:29 The Joy and Accomplishment of Winning Championships
For complete episode information, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com
In this conversation, Jordan Webb, a sports scientist at U.S. Soccer, discusses the challenges of managing international soccer players and the integration of data in decision-making. He shares his experience in using GPS data to evaluate player performance and training load, as well as the importance of building relationships with clubs and players. Webb also emphasizes the limitations of injury prediction and the need to focus on making informed decisions rather than relying solely on data. He highlights the challenges of outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience in a data-driven world.
In this conversation, Jordan Webb shares insights on decision-making in high-performance sports and the importance of building relationships and prioritizing wellness. He emphasizes the need for practitioners to understand power dynamics and influence tactics in order to navigate complex environments. Webb also discusses his pursuit of a PhD in decision-making and his research on improving decision-making processes in high-performance organizations. He highlights the value of being present and mindful in both personal and professional settings. Webb shares his favorite cities and stadiums he has traveled to and recounts memorable moments in the locker room.
KEY TAKEWAYS
Managing international soccer players requires building relationships with clubs and players and integrating data from various sources.
GPS data is used to evaluate player performance and training load, but injury prediction remains challenging.
The focus should be on making informed decisions based on the quality of judgment and process, rather than relying solely on data.
Outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience can impact decision-making in sports.
Evaluating the quality of judgment and process requires aligning heuristics and experience with data and managing expectations. Build relationships and prioritize wellness to show up for the people you work with and care about
Understand power dynamics and influence tactics to navigate complex environments
Be present and mindful in both personal and professional settings
Improve decision-making processes in high-performance organizations
Enjoy the perks of traveling to different cities and experiencing different stadiums
Create memorable moments in the locker room that foster camaraderie and celebration
00:00 Introduction and Background
10:02 Integrating Data in Decision-Making
34:12 Making Informed Decisions Based on Judgment and Process
41:51 Building Relationships and Prioritizing Wellness
50:49 Preparing Athletes with Different Starting Points
01:00:46 Prioritizing Wellness for Personal and Professional Success
01:08:20 Experiencing the Perks of Traveling and Representing the US
01:19:04 Creating Memorable Moments in the Locker Room
For complete episode details, go to www.AdamLoiacono.com
Mike Young shares his journey from opening Athletic Lab to working with the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL. He discusses his background in track and field and the success he had as a coach in that sport. Mike also talks about his transition to working in soccer and the growth of the NWSL. He shares memorable moments with the Courage and defines the culture of the team. Finally, he explains the philosophy and training standards that have earned the Courage a reputation for fitness and excellence.
In this conversation, Mike Young discusses the importance of training control and progression in team sports. He explains how he determines the bend point, or the point at which athletes are pushed to their limits without breaking. Mike also shares his experience in developing a load management system and bringing structure to team sports training. He emphasizes the need for individualization and the use of machine learning in monitoring and adjusting workload. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of ACL injuries in female athletes and the impact of tournaments and games on player health. The conversation concludes with a discussion on finding small wins for high performance.
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:16 Opening Athletic Lab and Working with Track and Field Athletes
03:14 Opportunity in Soccer and Joining a Pro Club
06:06 Transition to Vancouver Whitecaps and Return to Athletic Lab
08:29 Working with the North Carolina Courage
14:30 Memorable Moments with the Courage
26:23 Philosophy and Training Standards of the Courage
32:17 Training Control and Progression
33:12 Determining the Bend Point
34:18 Developing a Load Management System
35:42 Bringing Structure to Team Sports Training
36:37 Individualization and Machine Learning
38:05 Positional Demands and Fitness Levels
38:29 Monitoring and Adjusting Workload
41:32 Overlooking Training Intensity
41:57 Educating and Getting Buy-In
46:28 ACL Injuries in Female Athletes
47:30 The Impact of Tournaments and Games
54:11 Finding Small Wins for High Performance
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Origin Story
05:04 Joining the US Men's National Team
08:19 Experience at the World Cup in Qatar
23:16 Managing Health and Performance of Players
28:46 Role in Managing Day-to-Day Training and Therapy
31:42 Limitations and Small Wins
34:56 Transition to Running a Performance Practice
35:08 Redefining Commercial Healthcare
37:55 Consistency and Small Wins
43:20 Upgrading Health and Performance
45:43 Winning the Day
47:13 Reflecting on Small Wins
52:36 Favorite American City
53:40 Favorite International City
54:18 Most Memorable Locker Room Moment
55:22 Advice for Young Coaches and Therapists
57:51 Connecting with Professionals
58:05 Contact Information
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
10:42 The Evolution of Training over 30 Years
36:15 Posture, Movement, and Constraints
39:05 The Relationship Between Posture, Movement, and Injury
42:18 The Importance of Mechanical Precision in Sports
45:13 Generalization vs. Specialization in Youth Athletes
49:47 Applying the Framework to Generalization and Specialization
56:18 The Role of Ground in Training
59:35 Different Body Types in Different Sports
01:08:04 Transition from Strongman to Bodybuilding
01:17:41 Approaching Muscle Growth in Bodybuilding
01:18:48 The Specificity of Hypertrophy and Muscle Growth
01:31:28 The Importance of Mechanical Overload in Hypertrophy
01:32:37 Sensitivity to Training and Hypertrophy
01:35:05 Deloading and Sensitization
01:39:10 Frequency of Deloading
01:44:23 Patrick's Training Approach
01:46:38 The Simple Model of Bodybuilding
01:51:43 Timelines for Adaptations
01:53:43 Small Wins and Priorities
01:59:14 Making Small Changes
02:04:20 Teaching and Programming
02:10:57 Rethinking the Big Patterns
02:15:46 Writing Workshop for Professionals
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 The Importance of Manual Therapy Fellowship
06:00 Differences Between NBA and MLS/NWSL
10:00 The Influence of Collective Bargaining Agreements
15:00 Managing High Stakes Pressure and Emotional Toll
20:00 Finding Balance and Identity Outside of Sports
25:00 Defining Load Management and Stress
30:00 The Role of Technology in Load Management
38:00 PhD Work on Load Management in the NBA
45:09 Understanding and Applying Workload Data
47:04 What We've Gotten Right and Wrong About Load Management
50:25 Advancements in Technology and Accuracy of Measurement
53:47 The Future of Basketball Research and Data Analysis
57:24 The Importance of Communication and Organizational Structure
01:03:13 The Need for Actionable Data and Tangible Outcomes
01:06:57 Finding Small Wins and Being a Good Team Player
01:09:38 The Importance of Persistence and the Grind
01:11:16 Favorite Hotels and What Defines a Good Hotel
01:14:30 The Best Book Read in the Last Two Years
01:15:37 Eye-Opening Experiences in Sports
For further episode details, head on over to https://adamloiacono.com
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Building trust and effective communication are crucial for successful collaboration between performance specialists and coaches.
Sports science and technology can provide valuable data, but it should be used in conjunction with other subjective and objective measures.
Early specialization and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the rise in injuries among young athletes.
A diverse and holistic approach to long-term athletic development, including exposure to a variety of sports and activities, can help prevent injuries and promote overall development. Specialization may be beneficial for certain sports that require specific skills, but for long-term health and development, generalization is a better strategy.
Trust and communication are crucial in sports performance, and being a technical expert is not enough.
Finding small wins is important to maintain optimism and motivation in the face of emotional highs and lows in sports.
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:11 Responsibilities as a Performance Specialist
13:43 The Influence of Sports Science and Technology
19:26 Building Trust and Collaboration with Coaches
32:33 Long-Term Athletic Development and Specialization
43:36 Creating a Curriculum for Youth Activities and Sports
47:54 Specialization in Sports
50:01 Importance of Trust and Communication
50:46 Finding Small Wins
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Andrew Hauser to discuss the new tendency of incorporating breath work and respiration into training. They unpack best practices and how to incorporate these into rehab and training programs without scaring clients.
Andrew graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Athletic Training in 2008 and obtained a Masters degree in Performance Psychology in 2020. He has worked in a variety of roles in his 14 years of experience as an athletic trainer and strength coach, with his most recent role being the Director of Performance Rehab with the Los Angeles Dodgers, during which time he was a part of their 2020 World Series team.
Key Takeaways:
[2:29] How did Andrew enter the scene of pro sports?
[5:45] What was Andrew’s vision while he was exercising a leadership position?
[8:48] Andrew talks about his participation in the World Series.
[13:16] Andrew shares memorable Dodgers stories.
[16:45] Broadly speaking, what is Andrew’s approach to rehab?
[20:15] Why are spirometers and barometers meaningful? How can you make them practical?
[23:31] Andrew addresses the research on breathing for longevity purposes.
[25:43] Heart and breath work in frequency and volume.
[30:01] Andrew often confesses using Moxy (Muscle Oxygen Monitor) in breath training.
[32:31] What does Moxy measure, and why is it important?
[38:13] Andrew uses passive blood flow restriction for recovery.
[43:40] Andrew shares a big eye-opener for him with a group called Evolve from Austin, Texas.
[46:52] What does Andy mean by ‘getting deeper into what can be done from the private side’?
[52:46] Andrew studied psychology and became a CMPC (Certified Mental Performance Coach).
[53:06] How does Andrew define a small win?
[56:10] Every athlete needs to be heard.
[58:31] Andrew answers a series of fun questions.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Shireen Mansoori, former NFL Director Rehab and current owner of Seattle Sport Institute and Physical Therapy, who helps us navigate the dilemma regarding what is meaningful and how to incorporate the information from Sports Science and Integrating Technology in modern physical therapist and performance training.
Key Takeaways:
[2:15] Shireen shares how she started working with professional athletes.
[3:26] Shireen shares the best advice she received while working for the NFL.
[4:17] What is a fellowship? What value did it bring to Shireen's career?
[6:53] Shireen talks about the role she used to have at the NFL.
[8:15] What are the differences between Shireen’s time working in basketball versus the time she worked in football?
[9:43] How does Shireen balance her expectation of 100% recovery of an athlete and the reality of them playing even if they are not?
[10:32] How can a physical therapist help athletes who don’t know what is best for their bodies?
[11:12] Was there any situation when Shireen needed to manage her and her team’s expectations with the available resources?
[12:44] What are some of the main foundations that helped Shireen work with football players during rehab?
[15:30] How does Shireen integrate the different means of physical therapy?
[17:40] How does Shireen illustrate the rehab journey for all to make sense?
[19:43] There is so much more that Physical Therapists do than just physical therapy.
[21:44] Shireen defines sports science.
[22:54] What are the first steps to incorporate sports science into PT practice?
[24:30] Shireen explains how she makes sure she has accurate information.
[26:29] Once Shireen has the information she needs, How does she make it actionable?
[29:14] The key is always to compare the athlete to themselves, not to another player in the same position.
[29:55] What is the value of load management? What are its downfalls?
[31:30] How to approach load management in the season?
[32:17] What are the most valuable resources or tools to help mitigate risk or enhance recovery strategies?
[33:48] Which are the most valuable technologies for data collection, sports science, and load management?
[35:44] How does Shireen address asymmetry?
[37:21] How did Shireen transition from what she was doing in the NFL to what she’s been able to implement in the private sector? How does she shape rehab differently?
[39:50] How did Shireen create a training room outside of the training room?
[40:48] Adam and Shireen discuss privacy.
[42:17] How does Shireen help her clients find the small wins so they can continue to progress forward?
[44:46] Shireen advises empowering the athletes to do what they can to recover their bodies and care for their health.
[46:36] If someone is looking to change their lifestyle or training positively, Shireen suggests that consistency is the most crucial aspect under consideration.
[48:11] Shireen answers a series of fun questions regarding her career experience.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Jess Elis, NBA Physical therapist, to teach us how to integrate technology best to upgrade your health and performance.
Key Takeaways:
[2:45] Jess and Adam are NBA guys, Jess shares how they met.
[3:45] Jess described how ‘the bubble’ felt for him.
[5:37] Was Portland Trailblazers Jess’ first entry point working with athletes?
[6:59] Jess shares one of the greatest opportunities he got to experience from working with professional sports.
[9:24] What insights does Jess have towards effective leadership when managing multiple departments?
[11:52] Jess shares his perspective regarding two approaches, one that considers we operate in silos and another that is a more integrative approach.
[13:40] How to create an environment that promotes positive communication among departments?
[15:55] Jess describes the most important aspect of a leader: Everybody needs to feel heard.
[17:36] How does Jess address each athlete’s own agenda?
[20:10] Why and how should we consider incorporating technology in sports performance or rehab?
[21:07] Jess made an acronym regarding the use of technology: PACE Practicality, Applicability, Conceptual, and Effectiveness.
[23:06] What is the difference between isokinetic and isometric?
[26:04] What is the actual process of utilizing isokinetic versus isometric, for example, in assessing quad strength?
[27:50] What is missing from isokinetic that isometrics could help better understand?
[31:32] Jess shares information about his thesis on the bioethics of wearable tech in the NBA.
[32:32] Plantiga is a valuable tool for asymmetry.
[33:37] What other information does Plantiga provide besides asymmetry?
[34:25] How does the Plantiga fit with a custom orthotic?
[35:03] What is IMU? What is it used for?
[35:50] Jess describes a scenario where he would look at all three pieces of tech: HUMAC, RSI, and IMU, and shares how he would utilize that in a return to play for a knee injury.
[39:25] How does Jess help the next generation of practitioners manage the return to play space?
[41:06] Jess discusses the many ways to get to work in professional sports and the 3 C’s required: competence, connections, and charisma
[45:16] Where has Jess seen people fail in pro sports?
[46:36] Where have people been successful in pro sports?
[48:52] What was something Jess didn’t truly appreciate about sports until he started to work in this field?
[50:34] Working in sports, what was one thing Jess enjoyed the most?
[50:47] What was one thing Jess did not enjoy about the NBA?
[53:32] Jess shares one of his dad’s life lessons.
[55:01] Looking back at his time in sports and NBA, if there was one thing Jess could go back and do differently, for better or for worse, what would that be?
[56:03] How did Jess find his small wins throughout the season to keep pushing forward?
[57:31] Could Jess create an encouraging environment for athletes to find their small wins?
[58:12] Jess calls his rehabs: the Small F-bomb Wins, SFW.
[1:01:24] Jess advises those who want to improve their health but are not in sports.
[1:03:17] How can people find the balance between what they love to do and what they need to do to improve their health?
[1:04:46] Jess talks about the education piece.
[1:06:14] What is next for Jess?
[1:07:30] Jess talks about what he loves about Thr Rehab Code.
[1:08:25] Fun questions with Jess!
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
The Rehab Code
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Mike Robertson, a performance coach for over two decades. He shares his advice, stories, and perspective with the next generation, which applies to high-performance athletes and life.
Key Takeaways:
[2:02] Mike talks about his career, which splits in two, the training aspect and the online presence.
[3:16] Mike shares his experience with professional athletes.
[5:45] Mike talks about his experience with pro-soccer athletes.
[9:55] How can the team staff best support performance staff when managing an athlete's off-season program?
[11:44] Has Mike ever invited people to train in his space?
[12:55] Mike shares advice to improve communication in the Team environment.
[16:22] How can PTs manage or avoid tension between private and team staff?
[18:31] How can team and private practice be better integrated?
[24:14] How can the next generation of coaches and therapists vet what's out there?
[28:09] In Physical preparation, what has withstood the test of time? Smart fundamental training.
[30:43] Is there anything else you used to do from the history of physical performance that has come and gone?
[35:58] What are the big pillars of Mike’s program? What does he believe in? Improving movement efficiency and economy first are Mike’s program pillars
[41:55] What would Mike recommend if someone wanted to incorporate data with an athlete, tech data?
[50:36] How is Mike helping his clients find the small wins along the way?
[54:30] How does Mike find his small wins?
[59:22] Mike shares his advice with anyone who wants to upgrade their health and performance.
[1:01:34] Mike answers a series of rapid-fire questions.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Robertson Training Systems
The Physical Preparation Podcast
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Danny Guzman, former US National Soccer Fitness Coach, to show us the future of genetics, training, and rehab. Danny is also the founder of Guzman Performance, where he offers individualized training and incorporates insights from genetic testing.
Key Takeaways:
[2:15] What was Danny’s entry point to work in pro sports?
[4:01] Danny shares when his Team won an MLS Cup soon after starting in pro sports.
[5:44] Danny talks about the similarities and differences between working for a club Team and a National Team.
[7:22] How does Danny build trust with his players?
[8:16] Empathy + expertise = Trust
[9:35] If given the chance, what changes would Danny have made?
[11:23] How does Danny prepare a team for an MLS Cup versus a World Cup qualifier?
[14:50] How did Danny approach the physical aspect as a fitness performance coach within the MLS squad?
[18:06] Danny remembers when he felt underprepared.
[20:07] Danny highlights the value of a simple question: How can I help?
[20:32] How does Danny define a small win?
[22:49] Danny shares how he motivates the athletes he works with.
[26:37] How does Danny tie in the physical components within the needs of position within tactics?
[30:42] What's one of the questions Danny gets most frequently from some of the coaches?
[35:16] How much should a sports coach know about the physical aspect of the game?
[38:20] Danny talks about his work on genetics and human performance.
[39:46] Danny talks about Gene Fit.
[44:50] What's the first step you take when it comes to incorporating genetic testing into a performance program?
[47:37] How can genetics influence what we do to train an athlete or prepare an athlete for an event?
[51:00] How do you justify some players doing some of that conditioning or training and others not?
[53:05] How can you prevent losing the athlete’s trust?
[55:35] What's the first step towards incorporating genetic information into the athlete’s health and performance?
[56:59] Danny shares his advice on how anyone can upgrade health and performance.
[1:00:42:] What is Danny's favorite stadium?
[1:02:04] What were some of the most rowdy fans Danny’s been around?
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
3x4Genetics
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Lee Nguyen, a professional soccer player, who shares his international journey and offers insights on how he approached the development of training and rehab over his career.
Key Takeaways:
[2:23] What career path led Lee into professional soccer?
[3:29] Lee was in Vietnam when COVID began, and the season had to be canceled.
[5:33] Lee talks about participating in the TST: The Soccer Tournament.
[10:37] Lee speaks of the cultural differences in training in different countries.
[11:54] How do different cultures train off the field?
[15:41] What is the best professional athlete Lee can be?
[16:37] Lee emphasizes the value of efficiency and preparedness for a professional athlete and explains how he prepared to be a professional athlete.
[20:32] Has Lee ever tried a change in lifestyle or nutrition plan?
[21:45] What advice would Lee tell himself 10-15 years ago?
[23:27] What things worked for Lee in train and rehab?
[25:51] How did Lee approach the rehab process when he was going through an injury?
[29:06] How has the business aspect influenced some of the decisions regarding rehab times?
[31:44] Lee shares the importance of considering your value as a player and your contribution to the Team.
[33:25] Lee describes what trust looks like in professional sports, specifically in the rehab space.
[35:56] Adam talks about the three different kinds of players.
[36:32] Lee talks about the value of building healthy habits early on in a professional athlete's career.
[39:39] How would Lee approach the case when an athlete refuses to try a new training plan?
[42:58] As a player, how does someone build trust when they come into the locker room?
[45:12] Has Lee ever found himself in a situation with a misconception about being a pro athlete?
[49:00] How does Lee’s life as a pro athlete affect his personal life?
[51:38] Lee advises about the importance of communication and keeping realistic expectations when balancing personal and professional goals.
[53:19] How does Lee define small wins?
[56:39] How do you find your small wins when the morale is down, the culture's down, and the team is losing?
[58:56] Lee shares his advice with everyday people regarding how to find small wins.
[1:01:43] Lee talks about his new career as a coach that is just beginning.
[1:03:15] Lee advises anyone trying to improve their performance: Seek a professional (and also trial and error).
[1:06:01] What was Lee’s favorite city to live in as a player?
[1:06:38] What was Lee’s favorite stadium?
[1:07:31 Lee shares memorable highlights from his career.
[1:08:01] Lee shares one of the most memorable moments behind the scenes.
[1:08:49] What was Lee’s favorite goal-scoring celebration?
[1:09:23] What is next in Lee’s career?
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Darrius Barnes, a retired professional soccer player who shares insides on training, sport science, and rehab during his time as a player. He also discusses his current role as President of MLS NEXT Pro at Charlotte FC.
Key Takeaways:
[2:09] Where did the journey start for Darrius?
[4:35] How did the league change in the last decade?
[6:55] Where is MLS as far as rankings?
[10:03] How do Darrius’ efforts in investment in engagement impact the culture of the team?
[12:08] What is MLS NEXT?
[12:46] Darrius introduces MLS Next Pro.
[14:56] Is MLS Next Pro a precursor to being a franchise in MLS?
[15:59] What does it mean for Darrius to be a General Manager at Charlotte FC?
[17:30] Are there lessons that Darrius learned being a player that have dramatically influenced his ability to do what he is doing now on the front office side?
[19:55] A player needs to know some context before making an appearance to assure that his thoughts, values, and beliefs are aligned with the brand.
[22:18] How did Darrius manage to stay positive during tough times?
[23:44] What helped Darrius during training and rehab?
[25:17] Darrius defines small wins.
[27:12] What is Darrius' perspective on sports science and analytics?
[29:06] Some players can be worried regarding how collected data can affect the negotiations for a future contract, Darrius share his view about this topic.
[30:13] Darrius talks about technology that has proven to be beneficial for players.
[32:03] How can we find balance between training, collecting data, and implementing technology?
[34:34] Darrius confesses he had not enough information back in his professional athlete days.
[36:55] Darrius advises the general public who aims to upgrade their health and performance.
[39:01] How can we better support players?
[41:48] What was one of Darrius most favorite memorable moments being a pro athlete, playing in sports?
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Maggie Awad. Maggie is a nurse practitioner experienced in professional sports, explaining the connection between gut health and sports performance.
Key Takeaways:
[1:40] Maggie shares how she became interested in gut health and how she included it in her practice.
[4:41] Three questions you should ask when there is an injured athlete.
[6:00] Why does Maggie find so much value in caring for gut health?
[8:31] Maggie shares what she looks at when diagnosing someone’s gut health.
[9:48] What does Maggie do first when she finds a nutritional deficiency in a patient?
[11:45] You could be eating too many fermented foods; Maggie confesses she is not a Kombucha fan.
[12:42] Maggie explains why people take too many probiotics.
[14:23] Maggie shares perspective on antibiotics.
[15:40] What is the difference between food sensitivity and food allergy?
[19:03] Achieving the optimal sleep schedule can be challenging for a professional athlete.
[22:09] What are the essential nutrients necessary for good bone health?
[23:31] Maggie shares a pro athlete's expected Vitamin D levels.
[24:15] What is the relation between vitamin K and vitamin D?
[24:42] What is the role of the two types of magnesium?
[26:26] Iron levels are very important for bone health.
[28:07] What are the recommended key nutrients and supplementation for the treatment of bone stress reaction?
[32:44] Why do some athletes swell more than others from the gut health perspective?
[36:01] The brain-gut access
[37:41] What can an athlete do to fight swelling? First, eliminate sugars and alcohol.
[40:18] Why is acute inflammation necessary for healing?
[41:20] Maggie is a fan of omega 3.
[43:36] What is the influence that alcohol has on the gut?
[44:50] Maggie shares her perspective on caffeine and its link to gut health.
[49:08] Maggie speaks of the benefits of having a stool test.
[51:04] How does Maggie help her client find their small wins through treatment?
[53:42] How does Maggie define a small win?
[55:55] Rapid fire questions with Maggie to know more about your gut health: How many times a day do you poop? Are you drinking enough water? Eating enough fiber?
Must have: Prebiotic foods, garlic, onions, apples, asparagus, yogurt, and kefir.
The worst foods: sugar, fruit juices, alcohol
The worst modern-day myth: Gut health is all about food (not at all! It is a lifestyle!)
What can parents do? Don’t buy fruit juice! Try to get fun with food.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Follow Maggie Awad on Instagram
Elevate2Perform
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Ben Hagar in today’s episode. Ben is a physical therapist in Major League Baseball, who shares stories and professional insight on what it takes to develop a strong culture for medical and performance staff.
Key Takeaways:
[1:55] Ben answers rapid-fire questions.
[4:10] Ben describes a day in professional baseball for a PT.
[9:58] Ben highlights the importance of teamwork: “You always know somebody else will have your back.”
[12:14] Ben explains his work beyond pitching and hitting.
[19:56] Clinicians want to find things to fix, but it is necessary to remember that there is no ideal movement; performance is what matters most.
[24:22] Sometimes, doing PT’s job is doing nothing.
[26:24] Treat the brain, not just the injury.
[26:58] Ben talks about some clinicians’ common mistakes.
[31:54] Ben explains why Pt’s don’t need to have all the answers anymore.
[34:50] How does Ben deal with the social media comments?
[38:50] Ben shares how his work is affected by an athlete seeking outside medical assistance.
[45:05] Ben shares one key experience with his group that helped them move toward better team dynamics.
[52:02] The Team values more than the sum of its parts.
[55:58] Ben talks about how he deals with judgment.
[1:01:04] How does Ben find the small wins to keep him going?
[1:07:08] In the context of baseball, how do athletes endure rehab times?
[1:09:30] Ben shares a superstitious story.
[1:12:12] Ben advises anyone wanting to practice physical therapy in pro sports.
[1:17:15] Ben shares his perspective on health and performance
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Nicole Surdyka, who shares her experiences as a physical therapist and professional woman soccer during the 2020 pandemic season and how she was able to overcome limited resources while still finding success.
Key Takeaways:
[:45] Adam introduces Nicole by sharing a briefing on her outstanding career.
[1:48] Nicole shares her experience as a soccer player.
[3:04] What motivated Nicole to become a PT?
[4:43] Nicole speaks of the common challenge of having limited resources.
[6:07] Nicole was initially worried about entering the professional women's soccer niche.
[8:23] What was Nicole’s role at Seattle?
[11:04] Nicole shares the memory of a day when the Team was left with no transportation.
[13:00] Another responsibility included in Nicole’s role was to order the gym equipment.
[14:44] Nicole talks about how it is possible to go pro without going to college, even though it is not the norm.
[15:37] What were the first things Nicole did in her role?
[18:50] Were there things Nicole wishes she could have done better?
[21:04] How do you transition the high-level care the men are getting and provide it for the woman?
[23:11] Were there times when Nicole had information about a player that the player did not know yet?
[27:43] As a PT, ask yourself: What does the athlete need from me now?
[30:43] Transfer vs. loan.
[34:45] What if the league had standards for every Team to follow for medical or PT evaluations?
[36:45] Nicole talks about what she thinks the minimum requirements for medical or PT evaluations should be.
[43:10] What happens when the PT disagrees with the athlete's perspective?
[45:21] How can a PT meet the athlete where he/she is?
[47:16] Nicole advises PTs to show authentic appreciation for the athletes (they can tell when the attention is not genuine).
[49:15] Nicole is constantly helping her athletes to find their small wins.
[50:56] Nicole shares her biggest mantra: Calm, consistent, curious.
[55:17] Apart from being good at your work, you must be flexible and adaptable.
[57:14] As a clinician, what were some of the expectations she had that did not match with reality?
[59:40] Nicole talks about handling pressure when an athlete is rushed to play back when is not totally ready.
[1:07:17] Nicole speaks on what is new and exciting in her career.
[1:12:44] Rapid fire questions with Nicole.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more at FindingSmallWins.com
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Women in Sports and Entertainment
Women in Football
“If we can remove our egos and understand that at the end of the day, the team is trying to win, the team is trying to make sure everyone is healthy, and the team is trying to make sure everyone can participate, this way we can all get along. “ Dr. Amy Atmore
Description: Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Dr. Amy Atmore, who shares her experiences as a performance physical therapist from the NBA and NFL to help us figure out what to do when receiving differing advice from private specialists and the Team Staff.
Dr. Amy’s experiences working on both sides of the team's sports medicine staff and the athlete's personal performance team can help us learn how to manage the modern-day athlete better.
Key Takeaways:
[1:42] Dr. Amy talks about her role right now.
[2:20] How was her transition from Seattle to Denver?
[2:48] Dr. Amy describes a typical day for her.
[4:30] Dr. Amy talks about the differences between working on the Team Staff and as a private specialist.
[5:50] How many hours does Dr. Amy spend with her client?
[6:30] Dr. Amy talks about the Team working for her athlete.
[8:06] Dr. Amy speaks of the times when the private and sports Teams differ in their perspectives and/or expectations.
[10:13] Is Dr. Amy, the point person for the team? Or is there another individual who has the final say?
[12:00] What does the integration between the performance team of the athlete and the sports team look like?
[13:52] What has Dr. Amy found to be successful for managing the relationship to help the athlete work with his team but then work with the sports team too?
[17:26] Dr. Amy highlights what she is looking for when an athlete returns to play. She shares what she believes may be successful when managing her expectations of the athlete and the team's expectations from the return to play.
[20:00] How does Dr. Amy balance when the athlete tells her he wants to do something-
but in her mind, it either goes against what she believes in or it goes against what she thinks is
right at the moment?
[21:40] How do the other practitioners’ opinions, schools of thought, and philosophies, play into what Dr. Amy has to do?
[23:08] Dr. Amy talks about the first transition she made from working outpatient-
to then start her own private business.
[25:02] Dr. Amy advises those considering starting their own business.
[26:05] Dr. Amy shares what the transition from having her own business to working for the NBA was like.
[27:47] Dr. Amy talks about the most complex challenge she encountered.
[28:45] Dr. Amy emphasizes that the most essential aspect for a practitioner is to enjoy what they do.
[31:12] Dr. Amy describes the key differences between the roles that she had so far in her career.
[32;54] What are the most significant differences between the NBA and the NFL?
[36:30] How is Dr. Amy’s perspective on work-life balance changed after becoming a mother?
[38:02] Dr. Amy advises those who have a family but also work in professional sports.
[38:45] Dr. Amy shares one popular misconception regarding people working in professional sports.
[40:14] What's one thing Dr. Amy only fully appreciated about professional athletes once she started working with them full-time?
[42:04] Dr. Amy shares a common challenge that she faces working as a personal physio for someone versus when she is working in a team.
[42:59] Dr. Amy answers three rattle questions.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Dani Weatherholt, a professional woman soccer player who shares some stories on her journey in professional sports and how she uses her platform to help the next generation of youth soccer players. Dani is an incredibly kind soul who constantly gives back to young women and athletes. She advocates for Voice in Sport, a community of women and girls that provides educational resources and mentorship for women of all ages. She also consistently participates in Football for Her.
Today, Dani shares a player's perspective on some of the behind the scene processes with agents and front offices when players are traded, how medical performance practitioners can best care for players, and some inside into the challenges pro athletes face on returning from injuries.
Key Takeaways:
[1:42] What would the title be if there was a book about Dani?
[2:27] Dani talks about the first chapter of her career in professional sports.
[3:29] Did Dani always dream of becoming a soccer player?
[4:31] When did Dani get serious about soccer?
[6:42] At 21 years old, Dani leaves the West Coast to go to Orlando.
[8:49] Dani spent four seasons in Orlando.
[9:50] Dani's next step was in Seatle; she shares about this change.
[12:13] Did Dani advocate for her contract, or did she have an agent?
[13:14] Adam shares some aspects of hiring an agent.
[14:04] Dani talks about what makes a good agent from her perspective.
[15:19] Dani sees an opportunity to play in North Carolina.
[16:37] Dani speaks of moving to Seattle and her experience during the pandemic.
[18:51] What happens when an expansion team comes in?
[20:54] Dani talks about how her family attends every game.
[23:14] Dani speaks of the amazing fans they have in LA.
[27:27] Dani advises: ‘Reach out to other Teams and learn from them.”
[28:48] A successful coach gets to know each player, taking the time to learn about their differences and building trust.
[30:02] As an athlete, when you have an injury, you need to trust someone to help you regain your life and ability to do what you love the most.
[30:49] How does Dani build a successful relationship with a physical therapist?
[32:18] Dani explains why she thinks more is learned when you are injured than when you are playing.
[34:26] How did Dani find the small wins while recovering from an injury?
[39:10] Dani takes pride in following her instincts and honoring how she feels in the moment.
[42:10] How to tell when is the right time to move to the next step in the rehabilitation process.
[45:22] Adam and Dani discuss the value of ‘second-hand confidence’.
[45:46] What are the qualities that make a pro athlete successful?
[47:57] Dani shares on Football for Her.
[50:19] Dani talks about Voice in Sport and its impact on a national level.
[51:38] Dani explains her role as a mentor.
[52:45] What are the teenage girls asking?
[53:40] Dani shares how being in a B Team feels.
[55:19] Dani answers a round of rapid-fire questions.
[58:10] It is Adam’s turn to answer questions about his passion and experience as a physical therapist.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Small Wins Consulting
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Frank Kaminsky, an NBA player, who shares his story of enduring rehab while also shedding light on how the business of basketball has affected him over his career.
Key Takeaways:
[1:16] Where does Frank play basketball before entering the NBA?
[3:21] How does Frank feel about the NIL?
[5:08] How do Frank’s ranking and draft order influence his rookie deal?
[6:03] What was Frank’s fit into the massive TV deal?
[6:57] Apart from the financial aspect, what else changed in the league from 2015 to 2023?
[9:30] Frank shares his perspective on the injury process.
[10:44] Frank talks about the side of injuries that really can mess with someone’s head.
[11:09] What are the first steps as a player that Frank takes when an initial injury takes place?
[13:50] Adam and Frank talk about the role of the timing of an injury.
[16:26] Frank shares how to balance what is best for the player and what’s best for the Team.
[19:54] How did Frank prepare mentally for his unusual surgery?
[23:43] What was Frank’s attitude toward the physical aspect of rehab?
[25:49] How can PTs do a better job of setting realistic expectations?
[30:21] Frank shares what he thought was the most frustrating aspect of rehab.
[31:43] Has Frank picked any habit during the rehab process?
[33:40] Frank and Adam discuss the value of giving to rest in different cultures.
[38:42] Frank states: “It is not easy showing up for practice every single day.”
[40:27] Frank advises those going through rehab,
[44:00] Bodies take time to heal naturally.
[44:42] Are there any ways in which rehab could be made more enjoyable for professional athletes?
[51:38] Rehab is not like riding a bike, Frank explains why.
[57:59] How may contracts interfere with the rehab process?
[57:35] When Frank has to travel, how does he deal with the mental and physical toll?
[58:43] Frank shares how challenging it is to play in Denver.
[1:01:56] Frank talks about the day he hit his “rookie wall”.
[1:03:53] Frank shares the crucial importance of being mentally present in the game.
[1:05:46] How does Frank define a small win?
[1:08:50] Frank advises anyone who wants to upgrade their health and performance.
[1:11:27] Frank shares his favorite NBA place to play.
[1:11:47] What is Frank’s favorite arena to play in?
[1:13:30] Frank answers questions about his favorite movies.
[1:15:15] Rapid-fire questions with Frank.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Surgery, The Ultimate Placebo: A Surgeon Cuts through the Evidence, Ian Harris
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Dr. Maggie Byrant, a Doctor of Physical Therapy in her 5th season working in the NBA. Dr. Bryant is both a Residency trained, and board certified Sports and Orthopedic, physical therapist.
In today's episode, Maggie shares some great stories about working in pro sports, from memorable locker room moments to attending multiple all-stars games and trips in private jets and helicopters while accompanying players in off-season rehab.
Key Takeaways:
[1:30] What was Maggie’s entry point into pro sports?
[3:08] Maggie went through residency and then returned to Minnesota to work at Mayo Clinic.
[3:26] Maggie started working for Orlando Magic, NBA Team.
[4:20] Has Maggie ever given any thought about working in some other pro sport?
[5:02] Maggie shares her point of view regarding pro sports schedules.
[5:55] Maggie talks about the charm of the all-stars weekend.
[7:01] What are Maggie’s roles and responsibilities when attending an all-stars event?
[8:02] Maggie says you could enter any event once you get a credential.
[9:04] Maggie’s favorite memory from all-star events.
[12:47] How is life in the NBA for Maggie?
[14:24] What are some of the opportunities for working in the NBA?
[16:34] Maggie talks about her daily routine while traveling with pro sports athletes.
[17:54] Maggie remembers details about her last trip with an athlete to St. Bart
[18:21] Flying in a private jet is amazing!
[20:45] Working for pro sports athletes is not all rainbows and butterflies.
[24:25] Maggie shares step-by-step what happens when an athlete gets injured.
[27:27] Adam confesses the hardest thing he had to do as a PT
[29:36] ‘Don’t rush to communicate things.’
[31:17] What’s Maggie’s philosophy regarding rehab?
[33:33] Maggie advises objectivity.
[34:54] How does Maggie manages to stay in the ‘gray’ when most people prefer ‘black and white’?
[36:28] Maggie talks about part of the struggles resulting from being a PT.
[41:15] Maggie explains why messaging is hugely important.
[42:20] Maggie advises anyone looking to uplevel their game.
[43:57] How does Maggie find her wins throughout the year?
[45:32] Maggie talks about her favorite three cities.
[51:05] Maggie enjoys her work immensely, which is why she sees herself continuing in the same field for a while.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Basketball, Sports Medicine, and Science
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Dr. Stacey Hardin, the first female Head Athletic Trainer in Major League Soccer (MLS), to talk about the nuances of groin injuries, the importance of elevating women in sports, and how medical decisions may influence an athlete beyond their playing career.
Key Takeaways:
[1:52] Stacey went to school in Boston, and she talks about her University years.
[2:25] What does Stacey miss the most about Boston?
[3:31] Stacey shares her journey after Boston.
[4:31] How did Stacey get to the point in her career where she currently is?
[5:35] Today, Stacey works mainly remotely.
[6:38] Stacey lists what needs to be considered regarding hips and groin injuries.
[7:48] Stacey talks about the evidence that people should keep moving while recovering from hip and groin injuries.
[8:59] Stacey speaks on the process from injury to returning to the field.
[11:38] Trainers are not doing sufficient work to get athletes as strong as they need to be to meet the demands of their sports.
[12:19] Is there something that PTs can do to prevent hip and groin injuries?
[13:46] Stacey talks about the crucial importance of leadership and communication.
[15:14] How does Stacey define leadership within her framework?
[16:01] Stacey mentions the leaders she admires the most.
[17:03] Stacey talks about her experience being a woman in a field mainly dominated by men.
[21:15] Stacey emphasizes how small steps and changes can make a big difference.
[21:52] What advice would Stacey give to someone struggling to get into sports because of their gender?
[22:44] What motivates Stacey?
[23:41] Has Stacey ever been in a situation where she felt she lost her way in pro sports?
[25:07] Stacey shares her memories from the ‘bubble’ when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
[30:10] When it comes to rehab, how does Stacey help athletes find small wins?
[31:27] How does Stacey define a small win?
[33:55] At the end of the day is all about caring for other people.
[38:14] Adam confesses experiencing impostor syndrome.
[41:53] Stacey shares her view on longevity and tactics to promote it in professional sports.
[44:25] How can we elevate and integrate practices and the medicine of longevity into the healthcare of athletes?
[49:33] Decisions must not be rushed; the athlete needs the space to comprehend what is going on and reach the point when it is their decision and not just follow somebody’s recommendation.
[51:19] Stacey answers rapid-fire questions.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Scottie Parker, Head Athletic Trainer in the NBA and former athletic trainer in the NFL, who shares a few stories while teaching some life lessons.
Key Takeaways:
[1:48] Scottie started in the NBA in a full-time, seasonal internship position.
[2:02] Scottie shares the exceptional experience of winning a Superbowl.
[3:51] How loud was it to break that Record Guinness?
[5:55] What was the schedule for Scottie when he was a seasonal intern?
[8:04] How much equipment were they loading onto trucks?
[9:06] Scottie talks about the time he went to the NFL Superbowl.
[11:09] Scottie was living full-time in New York.
[11:29] Scottie talks about the details of his everyday life back in NY.
[13:35] Scottie realizes that now that he has three children is not sustainable to keep working as he used to.
[15:12] Scottie was invited to be interviewed by the Hawks.
[17:10] Scottie advises his younger self: Don’t get your identity too tied up to what you do.
[18:19] How do contracts work in this space?
[20:22] What does Scottie think he was doing right for him to keep the job?
[23:14] What are some common characteristics of those who Scottie saw coming and leaving during these nine seasons?
[24:56] What is one of Scottie’s favorite things about the sport?
[26:45] Why is January such a hard month for those in the NBA?
[29:08] What is packing for a ten-day trip?
[30:57] Scottie reaffirms the importance of compassion and care for the players since it is emotionally draining to be separated from their families.
[32:57] Scottie talks about some of the responsibilities of a Head Athletic Trainer.
[34:45] Where did the ‘Jerry Scale’ originate?
[39:05] How does Scottie raise a family across different states?
[41:40] What challenges does Scottie encounter when he travels but really wants to spend time with his family instead?
[45:00] How does Scottie define a small win?
[47:34] How does Scottie help others find their small wins when leading from the middle?
[49:29] How does Scottie create a welcoming space for others to come to him when they are in need?
[51:05] To achieve changes, consistency is the game.
[53:12] Scottie shares a few more thoughts about small wins.
[57:57] After working within sports, where is Scottie taking that passion?
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Follow Scottie Parker on Instagram
Tweetables and Quotes:
“The margins of winning in pro sports are so small.”
“Don’t get your identity too tied up to your job.”
“At the end of the day, it is fun to be part of the wins and loses of the Team.”
“The schedule doesn’t care about you and your family.”
Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.
Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode, Adam is joined by Toni Pressley, an American professional soccer player who currently plays for the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). In 2019, Toni was diagnosed with breast cancer after getting a check-up at the recommendation of the team nutritionist. She successfully underwent surgery and returned to play in the Orlando Pride’s final game of the 2019 season. Today she shares her story of surviving breast cancer and her experiences as a professional athlete. Toni also talks about her passion for having a vegan lifestyle and launched, along with Ali Riley, Girls Gone Veg, where two professional soccer players explore their passion for veganism.
Key Takeaways:
[1:46] Toni introduces herself and shares how she met Adam.
[2:30] Toni talks about Girls Gone Veg.
[3:32] Toni talks about what motivated her to launch Girls Gone Veg.
[4:24] Toni shares her secret recipe for the best vegan lasagna,
[5:02] Toni expresses her thoughts about vegan meat and processed foods.
[6:55] How does Toni combine a vegan lifestyle with her life as a professional soccer player?
[8:28] What does it look like to be a vegan who plays for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL?
[9:06] Toni advises other athletes who also travel and want to maintain a vegan lifestyle.
[10:54] Was there a particular moment when Toni decided to embrace a vegan lifestyle?
[12:48] Toni confesses that she feels better since she became a vegan, and she shares the changes she noticed with a meatless diet.
[13:52] Did Toni’s training change due to her becoming vegan?
[14:28] Is it hard to meet the nutritional requirements while following a vegan diet?
[15:34] What do rehab specialists or performance practitioners need to be mindful of when training a female athlete?
[18:04] Toni advises coaches on how to communicate more effectively.
[19:47] Toni talks about her experience battling breast cancer.
[21:19] What were Toni's daily habits that kept her strong when healing from cancer?
[23:48] What does Toni do to stay grounded and present?
[26:25] What is involved in playing professional soccer?
[28:39] Is Toni able to just play soccer, or does she have to do other things to supplement her salary?
[29:05] Have other players needed to look for other sources of income?
[30:54] Toni explains why soccer fitness is different from regular fitness.
[32:15] Toni remembers the time she went into pre-season with a struggle.
[34:54] How can we continue to elevate women in sports?
[36:50] Does Toni’s team have an academy system?
[37:39] “For Youth soccer, you need to have money to play.”
[40:03] Does Toni remember a moment when she thought, “If I didn’t play sports, I would have struggled here.”?
[41:08] How does Toni define a small win?
[42:05] Has Toni ever had a long-term rehab?
[45:02] Toni talks about the importance of showing others that you care.
[48:13] Toni answers rapid-fire questions!
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Finding Small Wins
Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Find more about Girls Gone Veg
Pulling back the curtain on sports to upgrade health & performance. Dr. Adam Loiacono discusses not only the X's & O's of successful sports training and rehab but also explores how industry leaders & experts are finding small wins that contribute to the success along the way. Adam will even share some insight into some challenges that happen behind the scenes that can influence the health & performance of not only athletes but everyday life.