<![CDATA[AAPCA the Podcast]]>"AAPCA: The Podcast" serves as the authoritative voice of the African American Performance Coaches' Association, offering deep insights, inspiring stories, and invaluable discussions within the realm of performance coaching. Hosted by Coach Proof, aka Larry Howard, and featuring prominent guests, each episode delves into the unique experiences, challenges, and successes of African American performance coaches. From sharing strategies for professional growth to exploring the intersection of race and coaching, AAPCA: The Podcast aims to empower, educate, and elevate both aspiring and seasoned coaches alike. Join us as we uncover the diverse perspectives that shape the future of performance coaching within the African American community and beyond.

]]>https://www.aapca.us/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:47:28 GMTFri, 26 Dec 2025 16:24:07 GMT60AAPCA<p>"AAPCA: The Podcast" serves as the authoritative voice of the African American Performance Coaches' Association, offering deep insights, inspiring stories, and invaluable discussions within the realm of performance coaching. Hosted by Coach Proof, aka Larry Howard, and featuring prominent guests, each episode delves into the unique experiences, challenges, and successes of African American performance coaches. From sharing strategies for professional growth to exploring the intersection of race and coaching, AAPCA: The Podcast aims to empower, educate, and elevate both aspiring and seasoned coaches alike. Join us as we uncover the diverse perspectives that shape the future of performance coaching within the African American community and beyond.</p>episodicAAPCAsfinley@aapca.usno<![CDATA[Jeremy Hills]]>The conversation covers the journey of Jeremy Hills, from his early career to building a successful training business and adapting to the challenges of COVID-19. It highlights the themes of diversity in performance coaching and entrepreneurial aspirations, providing valuable insights into the world of professional training and career growth. The conversation covers the journey of an entrepreneur and performance coach, highlighting resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of a unique vision. It delves into the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategic decisions made to build a successful business. The speaker shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the importance of continuous learning.

Takeaways

  • Diversity in performance coaching
  • Entrepreneurial aspirations Resilience
  • Entrepreneurship

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and AAPCA Conference
  • 08:17 Building a Training Business
  • 15:00 International Exposure and Career Expansion
  • 22:20 Adapting to COVID-19 and Business Opportunities
  • 43:24 Adapting to Change and Taking Action
  • 50:41 Qualifying Decisions and Pursuing Education
  • 01:00:36 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
]]>a83c3732-a7d3-410b-ae2e-5e1bf1f7a50fFri, 13 Feb 2026 17:37:52 GMT<p>The conversation covers the journey of Jeremy Hills, from his early career to building a successful training business and adapting to the challenges of COVID-19. It highlights the themes of diversity in performance coaching and entrepreneurial aspirations, providing valuable insights into the world of professional training and career growth. The conversation covers the journey of an entrepreneur and performance coach, highlighting resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of a unique vision. It delves into the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategic decisions made to build a successful business. The speaker shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the importance of continuous learning.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Diversity in performance coaching</li><li>Entrepreneurial aspirations Resilience</li><li>Entrepreneurship</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and AAPCA Conference</li><li>08:17 Building a Training Business</li><li>15:00 International Exposure and Career Expansion</li><li>22:20 Adapting to COVID-19 and Business Opportunities</li><li>43:24 Adapting to Change and Taking Action</li><li>50:41 Qualifying Decisions and Pursuing Education</li><li>01:00:36 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs</li></ul>no01:23:29Jeremy Hillsfull<![CDATA[Les Spellman part 2]]>In this podcast episode, Les Spellman discusses the misconceptions and practices in speed training, the priorities and preferences in speed training, structural assessment and training, managing work-to-rest ratio and frequency, and transitioning to off-season athletes. Key takeaways include the perception of speed training as highly technical and the importance of exposure to speed training for young athletes. The conversation delves into the importance of tailoring speed training for different sports, the significance of in-season speed training for injury prevention and performance, and the implementation of triphasic training for tissue skilled athletes.

Takeaways

  • Speed training is often perceived as highly technical, leading to misconceptions and avoidance.
  • Exposure to speed training is crucial for improvement, especially for young athletes. Speed training for different sports requires a tailored approach
  • In-season speed training is crucial for injury prevention and performance

Chapters

  • 00:00 Transitioning to Off-Season Athletes
  • 29:17 In-Season Speed Training and Injury Prevention
  • 37:01 Triphasic Training and Tissue Skilled Athletes
]]>7b96c34e-9da5-452b-87e0-4f7fbe57c215Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT<p>In this podcast episode, Les Spellman discusses the misconceptions and practices in speed training, the priorities and preferences in speed training, structural assessment and training, managing work-to-rest ratio and frequency, and transitioning to off-season athletes. Key takeaways include the perception of speed training as highly technical and the importance of exposure to speed training for young athletes. The conversation delves into the importance of tailoring speed training for different sports, the significance of in-season speed training for injury prevention and performance, and the implementation of triphasic training for tissue skilled athletes.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Speed training is often perceived as highly technical, leading to misconceptions and avoidance.</li><li>Exposure to speed training is crucial for improvement, especially for young athletes. Speed training for different sports requires a tailored approach</li><li>In-season speed training is crucial for injury prevention and performance</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Transitioning to Off-Season Athletes</li><li>29:17 In-Season Speed Training and Injury Prevention</li><li>37:01 Triphasic Training and Tissue Skilled Athletes</li></ul>no00:42:38Les Spellman part 2full<![CDATA[Richard Howell]]>The conversation covers the journey to strength and conditioning, the evolution of the industry, changes in the role of technology, the importance of critical thinking in coaching, and the impact of adaptability and work ethic in the field. The conversation delves into the importance of ethical values and faith in work, the transition to a head strength coach, and the significance of mentorship and continuous learning in professional development.

Takeaways

  • Adaptability in the face of changing management styles
  • The importance of hands-on experience and critical thinking in strength and conditioning Ethical values and faith
  • Continuous learning and preparation

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Impact of Adaptability and Work Ethic
  • 36:03 Mentorship and Continuous Learning
]]>79580da1-f760-4b3b-83fa-82d1c00cebd0Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers the journey to strength and conditioning, the evolution of the industry, changes in the role of technology, the importance of critical thinking in coaching, and the impact of adaptability and work ethic in the field. The conversation delves into the importance of ethical values and faith in work, the transition to a head strength coach, and the significance of mentorship and continuous learning in professional development.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Adaptability in the face of changing management styles</li><li>The importance of hands-on experience and critical thinking in strength and conditioning Ethical values and faith</li><li>Continuous learning and preparation</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Impact of Adaptability and Work Ethic</li><li>36:03 Mentorship and Continuous Learning</li></ul>no00:51:17Richard Howellfull<![CDATA[Joshua Woods]]>The conversation covers the journey of Coach Joshua Woods, highlighting his divine connections, overcoming adversity, authenticity, and adaptability in coaching, as well as navigating career transitions. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and the value of staying true to oneself while navigating career changes. The conversation delves into the challenges and uncertainties faced by coaches in the NFL, highlighting the impact of player voice, career uncertainties, and the need for self-evaluation and improvement. It also explores the learning curve and implementation of sports science programs, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and professional development.

Takeaways

  • Overcoming adversity
  • Adaptability and resilience Adaptability in the NFL
  • Self-evaluation and improvement
  • Implementing sports science programs

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Divine Connections
  • 08:13 Authenticity and Adaptability in Coaching
  • 13:29 Navigating Career Transitions
  • 40:53 Professional and Personal Development
]]>3087478a-86ec-436e-9ebf-97192149434cFri, 23 Jan 2026 17:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers the journey of Coach Joshua Woods, highlighting his divine connections, overcoming adversity, authenticity, and adaptability in coaching, as well as navigating career transitions. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and the value of staying true to oneself while navigating career changes. The conversation delves into the challenges and uncertainties faced by coaches in the NFL, highlighting the impact of player voice, career uncertainties, and the need for self-evaluation and improvement. It also explores the learning curve and implementation of sports science programs, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and professional development.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Overcoming adversity</li><li>Adaptability and resilience Adaptability in the NFL</li><li>Self-evaluation and improvement</li><li>Implementing sports science programs</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Divine Connections</li><li>08:13 Authenticity and Adaptability in Coaching</li><li>13:29 Navigating Career Transitions</li><li>40:53 Professional and Personal Development</li></ul>no00:43:32Joshua Woodsfull<![CDATA[Coach Rock]]>The conversation with Christian "Rock" Van Buren covers his journey in the strength and conditioning industry, the challenges he faced, and the process of building a high-performance coaching brand. It emphasizes the importance of leveraging personal relationships, perseverance, and the athlete intake process. The conversation covers a range of topics related to athlete development, coaching philosophy, off-season training, internship programs, coaching challenges, vision and impact in the industry, community impact and representation, and the comparison between private sector and team sports. Christian "Rock" Van Buren shares insights into his comprehensive approach to athlete support, coaching philosophy, and the challenges and opportunities in the field of strength and conditioning.

Takeaways

  • Building relationships and leveraging personal connections is crucial for business growth.
  • The process of building a high-performance coaching brand involves leveraging personal relationships, creating an ecosystem, and seeking help from others.
  • The journey of perseverance and overcoming challenges is a common experience for strength and conditioning coaches. Holistic athlete development
  • Coaching philosophy

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and AAPCA Conference
  • 13:10 Overcoming Challenges and Building Relationships
  • 21:06 Building a High-Performance Coaching Brand
  • 30:37 Comprehensive Athlete Support
  • 39:17 Coaching Philosophy and Approach
  • 44:24 Internship Program and Coaching Challenges
  • 53:26 Vision and Impact in the Industry
  • 01:02:36 Private Sector vs. Team Sports
]]>eeb3ebdc-4e94-463c-a9df-e42ad90673bfFri, 16 Jan 2026 17:15:57 GMT<p>The conversation with Christian "Rock" Van Buren covers his journey in the strength and conditioning industry, the challenges he faced, and the process of building a high-performance coaching brand. It emphasizes the importance of leveraging personal relationships, perseverance, and the athlete intake process. The conversation covers a range of topics related to athlete development, coaching philosophy, off-season training, internship programs, coaching challenges, vision and impact in the industry, community impact and representation, and the comparison between private sector and team sports. Christian "Rock" Van Buren shares insights into his comprehensive approach to athlete support, coaching philosophy, and the challenges and opportunities in the field of strength and conditioning.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Building relationships and leveraging personal connections is crucial for business growth.</li><li>The process of building a high-performance coaching brand involves leveraging personal relationships, creating an ecosystem, and seeking help from others.</li><li>The journey of perseverance and overcoming challenges is a common experience for strength and conditioning coaches. Holistic athlete development</li><li>Coaching philosophy</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and AAPCA Conference</li><li>13:10 Overcoming Challenges and Building Relationships</li><li>21:06 Building a High-Performance Coaching Brand</li><li>30:37 Comprehensive Athlete Support</li><li>39:17 Coaching Philosophy and Approach</li><li>44:24 Internship Program and Coaching Challenges</li><li>53:26 Vision and Impact in the Industry</li><li>01:02:36 Private Sector vs. Team Sports</li></ul>no01:05:18Coach Rockfull<![CDATA[John Griffin]]>The conversation begins with an introduction and announcement of the AAPCA conference. John Griffin shares his background and career journey, discussing his transition from college to the professional setting. The discussion then focuses on his transition to the director role and building a program. Finally, John provides valuable advice for coaches and emphasizes the importance of networking and continuous learning for career advancement.

Takeaways

  • Networking is crucial for career advancement
  • Continuous learning and growth are essential for professional development

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and AAPCA Conference
  • 08:24 Transition from College to Professional Setting
  • 15:31 Transition to Director Role and Building a Program
  • 23:37 Advice for Coaches and Networking
]]>b2ce8e31-500d-4b72-8a1d-ce52667aed16Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation begins with an introduction and announcement of the AAPCA conference. John Griffin shares his background and career journey, discussing his transition from college to the professional setting. The discussion then focuses on his transition to the director role and building a program. Finally, John provides valuable advice for coaches and emphasizes the importance of networking and continuous learning for career advancement.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Networking is crucial for career advancement</li><li>Continuous learning and growth are essential for professional development</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and AAPCA Conference</li><li>08:24 Transition from College to Professional Setting</li><li>15:31 Transition to Director Role and Building a Program</li><li>23:37 Advice for Coaches and Networking</li></ul>no00:28:47John Griffinfull<![CDATA[Les Spellman]]>The conversation covers the introduction to the AAPCA conference, the journey to speed coaching, recruiting and athlete development, the business of speed coaching, the backstory and overcoming adversity, educating and building a team, and the future vision.

Takeaways

  • Athlete Development
  • Building a Team
  • Future Vision

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to AAPCA Conference
  • 05:21 The Backstory and Overcoming Adversity
  • 12:14 Educating and Building a Team
  • 31:06 The Future Vision
]]>77ef0d84-db6e-43d5-ae14-fa503eaa048eFri, 26 Dec 2025 16:32:30 GMT<p>The conversation covers the introduction to the AAPCA conference, the journey to speed coaching, recruiting and athlete development, the business of speed coaching, the backstory and overcoming adversity, educating and building a team, and the future vision.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Athlete Development</li><li>Building a Team</li><li>Future Vision</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to AAPCA Conference</li><li>05:21 The Backstory and Overcoming Adversity</li><li>12:14 Educating and Building a Team</li><li>31:06 The Future Vision</li></ul>no00:34:27Les Spellmanfull