Épisodes

  • CAP 279: Nuance in Stimulus-Driven Scaling with Tyler Cooke
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Jason Leydon, Tyler Cooke, and Ryan Bucciantini discuss various topics related to CrossFit, coaching strategies, and the future of fitness competitions. They delve into the reasons behind athlete dropouts from competitions, the importance of effective coaching, and the challenges of scaling workouts for different skill levels. The conversation emphasizes the need for coaches to be prepared and to understand the intended stimulus of workouts to better serve their athletes. They also touch on the significance of communication and trust between coaches and athletes, and the evolving landscape of the CrossFit Games.

    Takeaways

    Copenhagen's appeal during winter is highlighted.

    Coaches need to have a structured lesson plan for classes.

    Scaling workouts should focus on skill acquisition and not just regression.

    Trust between coach and athlete is crucial for effective training.

    The importance of understanding workout stimulus for proper scaling.

    California's reputation as a challenging location for events is discussed.

    Athlete dropout rates are influenced by logistics and timing of events.

    The CrossFit Games remain the pinnacle of fitness competitions.

    Effective communication is key to successful coaching.

    Coaches should prioritize athlete development over simply completing workouts.



    Topics

    Navigating the Future of CrossFit

    The Art of Coaching in Fitness

    Sound bites

    "Copenhagen's beautiful in the winter."

    "California is a dumpster fire."

    "The stimulus of this workout is X."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Host Introduction

    02:03 Discussion on Athlete Dropouts and Event Logistics

    05:20 The Future of CrossFit Games and Competitions

    08:26 Coaching Challenges: Stimulus-Driven vs. Skill-Driven Scaling

    17:14 Effective Communication and Trust in Coaching

    24:05 Conclusion and Future Topics

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    23 min
  • CAP 278: From Off-Season to Competition: A Training Journey with Tyler Cooke
    Nov 27 2025

    In this episode of the Conquer Alley podcast, hosts Tyler Cooke, Jason Leydon, and Ryan Bucciantini engage in a lively discussion about the transition from off-season training to competition preparation. They explore the mental and physical challenges athletes face when ramping up their training intensity, the importance of building a strong foundation, and effective programming strategies for long-term success. The conversation also touches on nutrition, recovery, and the mindset needed to thrive in competitive environments.

    Takeaways

    Transitioning from off-season to competition requires mental adjustment.

    Building back strength and endurance is a gradual process.

    Athletes must manage their expectations during training ramp-up.

    Base building is crucial for long-term athletic success.

    Programming should focus on volume before intensity.

    Nutrition plays a key role in recovery and performance.

    Mental resilience is as important as physical training.

    Athletes should embrace the boring aspects of training for growth.

    Long-term development requires patience and commitment.

    Effective coaching is essential for athlete progression.



    Topics

    From Off-Season to Competition: A Training Journey

    Building Strength: The Athlete's Path to Success



    Sound bites

    "The strongest foundation is key."

    "Winning is never boring."

    "Boring is a mindset choice."



    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Light Banter

    02:58 Transitioning Back to Training

    05:50 Building Back Strength and Endurance

    08:48 Managing Mental and Physical Expectations

    12:00 Fatigue Management and Recovery Strategies

    14:30 Ramping Athletes Back Up

    18:01 Building Dynamic Volume and Efficiency

    22:35 The Importance of Base Building

    28:04 The Ugly Side of Training

    29:49 Mindset and Long-Term Progress

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    29 min
  • CAP 277: The Art of Coaching: Insights and Anecdotes with Tyler Cooke | 20 November 2025
    Nov 20 2025

    In this episode of the Conquer Athlete Podcast, hosts Jason Leydon, Tyler Cooke, and Ryan Bucciantini engage in a candid discussion about the coaching profession, the importance of professionalism, and the dynamics between athletes and coaches. They share personal anecdotes, rants about job applications, and insights into the challenges faced by coaches and athletes alike. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, effective communication, and the art of coaching in high-pressure environments, ultimately highlighting the significance of preparation and mindset in achieving success in competitive sports.



    Takeaways

    Coaches should research the organizations they are applying to.

    Professionalism in communication is crucial for job seekers.

    Athletes need to take responsibility for their training and feedback.

    Coaching is about providing the right cues at the right time.

    The athlete-coach relationship should foster independence and confidence.

    Individual design coaching requires accountability and communication.

    Athletes must be willing to adapt and change to improve.

    Coaches should avoid over-managing athletes during competitions.

    Effective coaching involves understanding the athlete's mindset and needs.

    Preparation and focus are key to success in high-stress environments.



    Topics

    The Art of Coaching: Insights and Anecdotes

    Navigating the Coaching Job Market

    Sound bites

    "You better say something, Tyler."

    "I feel like we're in weird mood."

    "I don't want to waste your time."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Light Banter

    03:01 Coaching Insights and Job Market Rants

    05:53 Professionalism in Coaching Applications

    08:37 Personal Experiences and Industry Challenges

    11:42 Changes in Leadership and Coaching Dynamics

    14:52 The Importance of Accountability in Coaching

    16:07 The Challenges of Coaching Large Groups

    17:40 The Role of Coaches in Athlete Development

    19:20 Athlete Responsibility and Coach Education

    21:21 The Importance of Adaptability in Athletes

    23:55 The Dynamics of Coach-Athlete Interaction

    25:57 The Art of Coaching in High-Pressure Situations

    32:03 Finding Focus Amidst Competition Chaos

    37:55 Conclusion and Future Discussions



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    38 min
  • CAP 276: Unlocking Athlete Potential with Tyler Cooke | 13 November 2025
    Nov 13 2025

    In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon welcome Tyler Cooke, a CrossFit athlete and coach. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of pacing strategies in workouts, the role of coaching in athlete development, and the need for structured rest and recovery. They also discuss the phenomenon of 'cuckolding' in a humorous context, and how it relates to their previous discussions. The episode emphasizes the significance of learning from training experiences, particularly when athletes 'blow up' during workouts, and the necessity of balancing training intensity for long-term success.

    Takeaways

    The loudest coaches aren't always the most experienced or knowledgeable.

    Training is a time for education and reflection.

    You cannot out tough your way to win; strategy is key.

    Finding the least amount of rest can optimize performance.

    You have to earn the right to train in dark places.

    Pacing is crucial; it's a math problem of who rests the least.

    Training should focus on efficiency, not just intensity.

    Athletes need to learn from their blow-up moments in training.

    The importance of structured rest and recovery cannot be overstated.

    Coaching should prioritize athlete development over just programming.

    Topics

    Unlocking Athlete Potential with Tyler Cooke

    The Art of Pacing in CrossFit



    Sound bites

    "How do I rest the least?"

    "Training is a time for education."

    "You need to push the 80% up."



    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Tyler Cooke

    04:50 Cuckolding Conversations

    10:47 Lowering the Bar in Fitness

    19:10 Pacing and Strategy in Workouts

    25:41 Pacing and Optimization in Workouts

    27:24 Strategic Rest and Recovery

    30:50 Learning Through Experience and Trial

    33:50 The Importance of Reflection in Training

    37:34 Understanding Athlete Capacity and Pacing

    41:32 Building Team Dynamics and Leadership

    44:29 Earning the Right to Push Limits



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    44 min
  • CAP 275 - Avoiding the Pitfalls of Randomized Training | 6 November 2025
    Nov 6 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the importance of structured programming in training, contrasting systems versus chaos. They explore the role of variance in exercise selection and the need for individualized program design. The conversation highlights the significance of having a game plan, understanding the timeline of training seasons, and the pitfalls of constantly varied programming without purpose. They emphasize the value of mentorship and the challenges of online programming in the fitness industry.

    Takeaways

    Structured programming is crucial for effective training.

    Variance in exercise selection can enhance athlete development.

    Individualized program design is essential for progress.

    Constantly varied programming should have a purpose.

    Mentorship is valuable for developing programming skills.

    Online programming presents unique challenges.

    Understanding training season timelines is important.

    A game plan is necessary for successful training.

    Exercise variation should target specific athlete needs.

    Communication with athletes is key to program success.

    Topics

    Mastering Training Systems: From Chaos to Structure

    The Art of Exercise Variance in Programming

    Why Individualized Program Design Matters

    Avoiding the Pitfalls of Randomized Training

    Mentorship: A Key to Programming Success

    Navigating the Challenges of Online Programming

    Training Timelines: Planning for Success

    The Importance of a Game Plan in Training

    Targeted Exercise Variation for Athletes

    Effective Communication in Program Design

    Sound bites

    "Structured programming is crucial for effective training." "Variance in exercise selection enhances athlete development." "Individualized program design is essential for progress." "Constantly varied programming should have a purpose." "Mentorship is valuable for developing programming skills." "Online programming presents unique challenges." "Understanding training season timelines is important." "A game plan is necessary for successful training." "Exercise variation should target specific athlete needs." "Communication with athletes is key to program success."

    Chapters

    00:00:00 Introduction to Training Systems

    00:00:00 The Role of Variance in Exercise

    00:00:00 Importance of Individualized Program Design

    00:00:00 Challenges of Online Programming

    00:00:00 Mentorship and Skill Development

    00:00:00 Planning Training Timelines

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    38 min
  • CAP 274 - Mastering Progressive Overload in Training - 30 Oct 2025
    Oct 30 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the concept of progressive overload in training, particularly within the context of CrossFit. They explore how progressive overload extends beyond simply adding weight to exercises, emphasizing the importance of various training stimuli and the need for coaches to understand their athletes' goals. The conversation also touches on the significance of managing variability in training programs and the necessity of a structured approach to achieve desired adaptations. The episode concludes with an announcement about their mentorship program.

    Takeaways

    Progressive overload is not just about adding weight.

    Coaches should focus on specific stimuli to improve athlete performance.

    Managing variability in training is crucial for tracking progress.

    Understanding an athlete's goals is essential for effective coaching.

    Progressive overload can include factors like duration, tempo, and complexity.

    Less variability can lead to better tracking of athlete progress.

    Athletes need time to adapt to training stimuli.

    The goal should remain consistent throughout training cycles.

    Coaches must avoid random programming to ensure effective training.

    Fatigue management is key to long-term athlete development.



    Topics

    Mastering Progressive Overload in Training

    The Art of Coaching: Beyond Just Weight



    Sound bites

    "The methodology checks half the boxes."

    "The priority stays a priority."

    "Progressive overload sounds like a super fancy word."



    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup

    10:49 Understanding Progressive Overload

    22:42 Applying Progressive Overload in CrossFit

    34:10 Conclusion and Mentorship Announcement



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    32 min
  • CAP 273: From Strip Clubs to Coaching: A Wild Ride | 16 Oct 2025
    Oct 16 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon engage in a lively discussion that ranges from sports rants and personal anecdotes to coaching philosophies and food preferences. They explore the challenges of individualizing coaching in group settings, the importance of understanding athlete needs, and the significance of creating an authentic coaching environment. The conversation is peppered with humor, personal stories, and insights into the world of fitness and coaching.

    Takeaways

    • Hitting a baseball is considered one of the hardest tasks in sports.
    • Fans often lack understanding of the complexities athletes face.
    • Coaches should create an environment where athletes feel comfortable scaling workouts.
    • Understanding individual athlete needs is crucial for effective coaching.
    • Authenticity in coaching fosters better relationships with athletes.
    • Food preferences can spark interesting debates and discussions.
    • Consequences for actions are important in sports and life.
    • Coaching should focus on movement quality and athlete enjoyment.
    • Standardization in coaching can help maintain class quality.
    • Creating autonomous athletes is a key goal in coaching.

    Topics

    • From Strip Clubs to Coaching: A Wild Ride
    • The Art of Individualizing Coaching in Group Settings

    Sound bites

    • "You should get punched in the face."
    • "You can only talk about it so many times."
    • "Movement is the most important thing."

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
    • 02:50 Sports Rants and Fan Reactions
    • 05:52 Strip Club Stories and Personal Anecdotes
    • 08:54 Discussion on Entitlement and Consequences
    • 11:34 Food Preferences: Chili vs. Cheese Fries
    • 14:12 Pop Culture References and Recommendations
    • 15:45 Home Security and Personal Safety
    • 16:23 Unexpected Encounters: The Thrill of the Unknown
    • 17:52 Individualizing Coaching in Group Settings
    • 22:22 The Art of Coaching: Balancing Structure and Flexibility
    • 34:15 Creating Autonomous Athletes: The Goal of Coaching



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    36 min
  • CAP 272: Mastering Load Management | 9 October 2025
    Oct 9 2025
    In this episode, Jason Leydon and Ryan discuss the importance of load management in high volume sports, emphasizing the need for proper training volume and recovery strategies. They explore the differences in athlete capabilities, the significance of tracking both internal and external loads, and the implications of performance enhancement in sports. The conversation highlights the necessity for coaches to understand individual athlete needs and the potential consequences of high-volume training without adequate preparation. Takeaways
    • Load management is crucial in high volume sports.
    • Athletes need individualized training based on their capabilities.
    • Tracking internal load is as important as external load.
    • Movement economy affects long-term athlete durability.
    • High volume training without foundation leads to burnout.
    • The acute to chronic workload ratio helps in training decisions.
    • Coaches must account for lifestyle factors affecting performance.
    • Proper recovery protocols enhance athlete performance.
    • Communication between athletes and coaches is vital.
    • The future of enhanced sports raises health concerns.
    Topics
    • Mastering Load Management in Sports
    • The Science of High Volume Training
    Sound Bites
    • "I had to re-record this one card."
    • "It's a fast track to burnout."
    • "Tracking internal load is crucial."
    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context 01:49 Load Management in High Volume Sports 10:54 Understanding Volume and Intensity 20:50 Tracking Internal Load and Athlete Management 26:01 Concerns About Performance Enhancements
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    27 min