Samson Strength Coach Collective

 On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we speak with Alex Redshaw, O2X Human Performance Program Manager for Arlington County Fire Department. Alex discusses his career journey, the importance of strength and conditioning in firefighting, and the unique health challenges firefighters face. From injury prevention and cardiovascular risks to sleep education and nutrition, Alex highlights strategies to improve firefighter wellness and extend career longevity.Key TakeawaysStrength & conditioning is essential to prepare firefighters for high-stress demands.Firefighters face elevated risks of cardiovascular disease and obesity.Education on sleep and nutrition is critical for long-term health.Wellness programs can help firefighters prioritize themselves in a culture that often demands self-sacrifice.A supportive environment drives successful lifestyle changes.The ultimate goal is to help firefighters retire strong and healthy.Quote “But then, so outside of the musculoskeletal side of things, we have cardiovascular events. So the acute impact of firefighting… your blood gets thicker, which turns harder to pump around the body. So any underlying or pre-existing heart issues that you may have are exacerbated or brought to the front during those events.” – Alex Redshaw

As part of the Samson Legacy Series celebrating 50 years of Samson Equipment, Scott Warman joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to share stories from his pioneering career in strength coaching. Scott discusses the evolution of training across sports, the importance of safety in the weight room, and the innovations in equipment design that helped establish Samson as an industry leader. He also reflects on his long-standing relationship with Dave and Linda Schroeder, whose integrity and vision have been central to Samson’s longevity and success.Key Takeaways:Scott Warman is a pioneer in strength coaching with a deep industry historySamson Equipment has evolved significantly over the past 50 yearsSafety in the weight room is critical to long-term athlete developmentInnovative equipment design has always set Samson apartDave and Linda Schroeder’s leadership shaped Samson’s foundationStrength training is now widely accepted across all sportsEarly strength coaches faced skepticism and limited resourcesSamson’s legacy is rooted in integrity and qualityScott’s passion for strength training remains strongThe bond between Scott Warman and the Schroeder family defines the Legacy SeriesQuote:“I’m gonna keep lifting to my last breath.” — Scott Warman

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Blaine Johnson, Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Performance at Rider University. In this episode, Blaine shares what it was like building a strength and conditioning program from the ground up, navigating limited resources, and learning how to earn buy-in across an entire athletic department.We dive into mentorship, career growth, managing massive team loads, and why preparation and boundaries matter if you want to stay in the profession long term. Blaine also closes with some fun Pokemon talk, including his all-time favorites.⸻Topics Covered:• Building a strength and conditioning program from scratch• Coaching with limited racks and barbells• Earning buy-in from athletes and sport coaches• Time management, organization, and avoiding burnout• Mentorship and building career momentum• Setting boundaries and learning when to say no• Favorite Pokemon, games, and growing up on Emerald⸻Keywords: Blaine Johnson, Rider University, sports performance, strength coach, strength and conditioning, building a program, buy-in, limited resources, mentorship, New Jersey, time management, coaching career, athlete development

S02|E237Reflections on a Year of Growth | Samson Strength Coach CollectiveIn this solo episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Connor Agnew takes time to reflect on the past year—reviewing personal and professional goals, lessons learned, and the life experiences that reshaped his priorities.Connor Agnew discusses the importance of balancing work and family, navigating health and personal loss, and how reflection can lead to clarity and growth. He also outlines new goals for the year ahead, centered on education, health, and intentional living.⸻Topics Covered:• Reflecting on past goals and growth• Balancing career and family life• Lessons learned from personal loss• Health and longevity in coaching• Setting meaningful goals for the future• Education and lifelong learning• Gratitude, perspective, and personal growth⸻Keywords: reflection, goals, personal growth, family, lessons learned, strength coaching, health, education, social media, life changes⸻✉️ JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER ✉️https://www.samsonequipment.com/newsletter📝 BLOG 📝https://www.samsonequipment.com/blog/🏋️ FACILITIES 🏋️https://www.samsonequipment.com/facilities💯 GET YOUR SOLUTION 💯https://www.samsonequipment.com/get-your-solution💪 FIND US ON 💪Twitter - https://x.com/SAMSON_EQInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/samson_eqLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/samson-equipment-inc./Website - https://www.samsonequipment.com/🔥 PLAYLISTS 🔥Testimonies • [Installations Playlist]The Collective • [Strength Coach Collective Playlist]

In this conversation, Keane Hamilton discusses his unique career path that blends collegiate strength coaching with teaching in higher education. He explains how he frames research alongside real-world examples, why flexibility matters more than rigid systems, and how effective communication helps bridge the gap between academics and athletics. Keane also shares insight into the future of strength coaching, accreditation, and the return to foundational training principles.Key TakeawaysBridging theory and practice strengthens both coaching and educationReal-world examples help athletes and students understand researchFlexibility is essential for long-term athlete developmentCommunication builds trust between coaches, athletes, and academicsFoundational strength training remains critical despite evolving trendsAccreditation will continue to professionalize the fieldQuote“I’ll show what the research says, what I actually do in practice, and usually there’s a middle ground where both sides meet.” — Keane Hamilton

In this conversation, Peter Kenn, Director of Olympic Sports at SMU, traces his path from student-athlete to strength coach, emphasizing how early internships shaped his foundation and understanding of the profession. He outlines his coaching principles, the evolution of SMU’s Olympic sports department, and the essential role of communication, shared ownership, and culture in program development. Peter stresses that coaches must embrace being wrong—remaining open to new ideas, honest feedback, and continuous learning—to evolve in the ever-changing landscape of strength and conditioning.Key Takeaways:Early internships provide critical real-world experience.Understanding the realities of coaching helps prevent burnout and early exits.Creating a positive environment is essential for both athletes and staff.Maximal strength and power remain foundational performance pillars.Shared ownership improves cohesion across athletes and staffs.Being willing to be wrong accelerates personal and professional growth.Networking and relationship-building open career opportunities.Continuous learning strengthens coaching longevity and adaptability.Coaches should adopt a service-driven mindset centered on athlete success.Developing a unique coaching philosophy is a key step in personal growth.Quote:“You have to create shared ownership.” — Peter Kenn

In this episode, Lilly Simon of the University of North Carolina dives into “The Illusion of Choice”—the idea that small, seemingly simple decisions can shape the direction of a coaching career. Drawing on her journey from lacrosse athlete to strength coach, Lilly explains how taking initiative, reflecting on personal values, and making intentional choices have positioned her for early success in the field. Her insights highlight how meaningful career growth often stems from the smallest moments of alignment.Key Takeaways:Small decisions can significantly impact your career trajectory.Evaluating decisions through the lens of your values is essential.Aligning goals with values strengthens long-term decision-making.Reflection provides clarity for shaping future choices.Career development is built through consistent, small actions.Knowing your values helps guide your professional path.Success is often the result of many small, intentional choices.Intentional decision-making fosters fulfillment and growth.Values-aligned career paths lead to greater satisfaction.Continuous reevaluation of goals is key to development.Quote“Just how impactful small decisions can be… evaluating how choices align with my values and goals has put me in the position I am today.” — Lilly Simon

Justin McKenna, Director of Basketball Performance at Bucknell University, joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to discuss his journey through the strength and conditioning world—from small-school beginnings to experiences at powerhouse programs like Duke and Kentucky. He dives into the importance of being adaptable, filling additional roles that support overall team operations, and developing systems that promote athlete ownership. Throughout the conversation, Justin highlights the role of nutrition, communication, and individualized training in maximizing performance. His perspective emphasizes that success in basketball performance isn’t just about sets and reps, but about providing athletes with the tools, environment, and autonomy to grow.Key Takeaways:Justin’s path from Division III athlete to Power 5 performance coach shaped his coaching versatility.Building genuine relationships is foundational for athlete buy-in.Nutrition and recovery innovations play a critical role in modern performance.Strength coaches must adapt to increasing demands and evolving athlete needs.Autonomy fosters investment—athletes perform better when they have a say.Individualized training strategies are essential in basketball performance.Creativity and alternative environments can keep athletes engaged.Strength coaches often fill additional roles beyond the weight room.Life skills built in sport can prepare athletes for long-term success.Quote:“Because at the end of the day, like if they're more invested, if they feel like they have a stake in what we're doing, they're going to give better outputs.” — Justin McKenna

In this engaging conversation, Dr. John Harry shares his journey from athlete to academic in biomechanics and strength conditioning. He emphasizes bridging research with practical application, helping coaches understand the purpose behind their methods. The discussion covers technology’s role in coaching, momentum versus velocity, and the importance of movement quality and clarity in data interpretation.Key Takeaways:Understanding biomechanics is fundamental to athletic development.Coaches must bridge the gap between research and practice.Momentum, not just velocity, is essential for effective training.Clarity in terminology prevents confusion in performance data.Overreliance on technology can hinder coaching intuition.Understanding the “why” behind training methods enhances effectiveness.Research informs practice—but experience completes the picture.Simplified methods often lead to better athlete outcomes.Quote: “It's all about how you interact with the environment. The interaction with the environment is overcoming gravity, it's force application, and putting those things together within the laws of motion—and that's how movement goes.” — Dr. John Harry

Dave Downey, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Brown University, joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to discuss the realities of coaching insecurity and self-doubt. From difficult internship experiences to exploring sports psychology, Downey shares insights from his journey and his book Imposter Coach. He highlights how vulnerability and empathy can strengthen relationships between coaches and athletes, and how initiatives like Brown’s “Bruno Cares” support mental health and peer connection.Key TakeawaysImposter syndrome is common among coaches and athletes.Mentorship and honest reflection are key to personal growth.Building genuine athlete relationships drives effective coaching.Mental health must be prioritized within performance programs.Leadership is developed through resilience, empathy, and consistency.Programs like Bruno Cares foster community and support among athletes.Quote“It got to a point where they told me, ‘Hey man, I don’t think coaching is for you.’ That’s hard to hear when you’ve invested everything into it.” — Dave Downey

 In this episode, Samson sits down with Liane Blyn, Director of Sports Performance for Olympic Sports at Arizona State University. Liane shares how strength and conditioning has evolved through the years and what it takes to build a culture of accountability. From breaking barriers as a female coach in a male-dominated field to mentoring the next generation of coaches, Liane’s story embodies grit, growth, and purpose in the ever-changing landscape of athletics.Key TakeawaysBuilding professional connections is vital for growth in coaching.Communication styles and expectations have evolved across generations.Structure and consistency benefit both coaches and athletes.Transitioning from athletic training to strength coaching can redefine a career.Female coaches continue to face unique barriers in male-dominated fields.The transfer portal has transformed athlete development and retention.Adversity builds resilience and fosters accountability.Competing in strength sports can deepen a coach’s credibility and empathy.Quote: “75% of kids drop out of organized sports by the time they get to high school. You can’t just point the finger and blame the coach—look in the mirror sometimes.” — Liane Blyn

In this conversation, Samson speaks with Ant Blubello, a physical therapist and strength coach, about his evolution from a self-critical athlete to a coach guided by faith and emotional intelligence. Ant dives into his early struggles with body image, the power of positive self-talk, and how spiritual growth has influenced his approach to both rehabilitation and performance. He offers honest reflections on working with high-level athletes, collaborating with military personnel, and balancing the demands of therapy and strength coaching.Key TakeawaysAnt’s journey from overweight kid to respected coach is deeply inspiring.Relationships are the foundation of effective coaching.Positive self-talk fosters both athletic and personal growth.Faith and purpose guide Ant’s approach to performance and rehab.Coaching requires empathy, patience, and understanding of human behavior.The art of rehabilitation is as much emotional as it is physical.Balancing physical therapy with coaching provides a holistic athlete view.Quote:“The problem with that was that it worked. Me beating myself up did lead to new PRs and better grades—but that negative self-talk bled into relationships and friendships.” — Ant Blubello

Conner Freeland, Vice President of Municipal Sales at O2X Human Performance, joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to discuss how relationships have defined every stage of his career—from the weight room to business leadership. A career-altering back injury redirected his focus to coaching, sparking a passion for helping others move, perform, and recover. Conner reflects on developing athlete buy-in, teaching recovery in tactical populations, and how mentorship and servant leadership continue to guide his approach to building people and programs.Key Takeaways:A major injury led Conner to discover his passion for coaching.Recovery and simplicity often create the greatest progress.Buy-in starts with authenticity, humility, and consistency.Servant leadership connects coaching and business development.Mentorship and curiosity fuel long-term professional growth.Tactical coaching requires empathy, recovery education, and adaptability.Great leaders build people through relationships, not authority.Leaving every role or program better than you found it defines success.Quote:“OK, now what do I do? I need to rehab. I need to like… get back to be able to just squat and move again, like what do I do? And it was kind of going through that rehab process with the ATs, the PTs, the docs, strength coaches—getting that one-on-one attention. It was really cool to see that you can make substantial progress even from an injury, to get back to moving well. That became an avenue for me to stay in sports and provide value to others the same way others had poured into me.”— Conner Freeland

In this episode, tactical strength and conditioning coach Mark Christiani talks about his transition from military service to coaching and the lessons learned along the way. He discusses how structure and adaptability from military life translate to strength coaching, why the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness initiative demands better preparation for coaches, and how the field can grow through mentorship and structured internships.Key Takeaways • Tactical S&C needs structured internship pipelines. • Military discipline and adaptability improve coaching. • The Army has hundreds of unfilled coaching roles. • Nutrition and education drive soldier readiness. • Mentorship is key for young coaches entering tactical S&C. • Collaboration between collegiate and military coaches boosts effectiveness.Quote“But in the tactical setting, I think we need to develop some sort of internship pipeline. Specifically talking about the military right now, the Army has hundreds and hundreds of jobs that will be coming available in the next five years… but there’s no experiential internship for young coaches to get geared in that direction.” — Mark Christiani

S02|E226Real Education in Strength Coaching with Dr. Justin Lima | Samson Strength Coach CollectiveOn this edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, host Connor Agnew speaks with Dr. Justin Lima, high-performance consultant and owner of Strength Coach Network. Justin shares his career across the B1G, ACC, Ivy League, and CAA, and how Strength Coach Network transformed his coaching knowledge and personal growth.We cover why the most valuable education often happens outside the classroom, how to balance time management with coaching demands, and the role of honesty, spirituality, and ethics in the profession. Justin also explains how Strength Coach Network supports coaches with CEUs, webinars, and career resources.⸻Topics Covered:• Real education vs. classroom education in coaching• How Strength Coach Network supports coaches• Why coaches must train themselves• Time management and productivity in coaching• Honesty and candor in the profession• Spirituality and personal growth as foundations for coaching• Ethical challenges in product promotion• Building meaningful relationships in strength coaching⸻Keywords: strength coaching, education, experience, time management, ethics, Strength Coach Network, personal growth, relationships, athletic performance

 In this special episode, Connor Agnew speaks with Mike Campagna, Financial Advisor and Senior Qualified Plans Specialist, about developing financial wellness. The conversation covers essential money habits, from budgeting and tracking expenses to tackling high-interest debt and starting retirement savings early. Mike emphasizes removing shame from financial discussions, being kind to yourself during setbacks, and making small, consistent improvements over time. Drawing parallels between financial discipline and athletic training, he offers actionable strategies to help strength coaches and young professionals take control of their financial futures.Key TakeawaysStart building financial habits early, just like fitness.Automate savings to make it easier to save money.Track your spending to identify areas for improvement.Focus on paying off high-interest debt first.Don’t let lifestyle inflation consume income increases.Retirement savings should start as early as possible.Be kind to yourself when facing financial setbacks.Use budgeting tools to categorize and visualize expenses.Consider refinancing student loans for better rates.Work with a fiduciary financial advisor for personalized guidance.Quote "When approaching all of this stuff, be kind to yourself... A slip up doesn’t mean you quit. The same thing with your financial health—get back on the wagon and keep going." — Mike Campagna

 On this edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Abbey Phillipson, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Adaptive Sport and Head ParaPowerlifting Coach at the University of Michigan. Abbey shares her journey as an athlete with a disability and her path to becoming a leader in adaptive sports. She discusses why strength training principles apply universally, the misconceptions about adaptive sports, and the competitive drive of adaptive athletes. Abbey also talks about founding Michigan’s ParaPowerlifting team and the importance of testing, data collection, and long-term investment in adaptive sports.Key TakeawaysStrength and conditioning principles do not change for adaptive sports.Abbey founded the first collegiate para powerlifting team at the University of Michigan.Misconceptions about adaptive sports often stem from lack of understanding.Strength training is essential for improving quality of life for athletes with disabilities.Adaptive sports are highly competitive and empower athletes just like able-bodied sports.Institutional investment in adaptive sports remains limited and needs improvement.Testing and data collection are crucial—“If you’re not testing, you’re guessing.”Quote “Then we're creating the narrative that kids with disabilities, people who acquire disabilities, the normal is that you play sports. The normal is that you go to the gym. The normal is that you are living life like any other person.” – Abbey Phillipson

In this conversation, Connor Agnew and Dave Nedbalek explore the evolving world of coaching. They discuss the transition from college to high school basketball, the role of family and community, and strategies for motivating today’s youth athletes. Dave highlights the importance of building relationships, fostering resilience, avoiding early specialization, and embracing creativity in coaching. The episode also delves into the value of collaboration between sport coaches and strength coaches, and the necessity of clear communication in athlete development.Key Takeaways:Coaching is about relationships and understanding athletes’ needs.Moving from college to high school requires different motivation strategies.Family support is key during coaching transitions.A strong “why” can drive athlete engagement and commitment.Building resilience and grit prepares athletes for life beyond sports.Avoid early specialization for well-rounded development.Creativity and controlled chaos in practice enhance performance.Sport and strength coaches must collaborate closely.Clear communication is essential for effective teaching.Quote"If I know I want to get my name called to play in that three letter league, my path, I can reverse engineer it... but how do you get kids motivated when their goals are different? That’s where the real coaching happens." – Dave Nedbalek

 Kosta Telegadas, tactical strength and conditioning coach, joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to share his journey from collegiate coaching to the tactical field. He discusses the realities of burnout, job instability, and how side projects can provide both financial and professional freedom. Kosta emphasizes the importance of networking, time management, and building relationships to succeed in the strength coaching world. He also shares his unique experiences coaching abroad, navigating cultural differences, and finding purpose beyond winning championships.Key Takeaways:Proactive action is essential for growth in strength coaching.The tactical sector offers better work-life balance and financial stability compared to collegiate coaching.Networking is vital for career advancement.Side projects can be a game changer for long-term financial security.Time management and efficiency allow coaches to balance multiple roles.Purpose in coaching extends beyond winning—impacting lives is the true reward.Coaching abroad offers cultural and financial benefits but comes with challenges.Quote: "In athletics, it's winning... In this side, it's the difference between life and death. And I know that's a heavy thought for some people... but it really is." — Kosta Telegadas

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Connor Agnew tackles the major changes shaping collegiate athletics today. With the rise of NIL and impending revenue sharing, Connor shares concerns about the long-term future of Olympic sports, the visibility of strength coaches, and the growing pressures placed on the profession. He offers valuable insight into how coaches can stay relevant—by advocating for themselves, tracking objective data, and addressing the mental health toll of the job. This conversation is both a wake-up call and a rallying cry for strength coaches to evolve and lead with purpose.Key Takeaways:College athletics is shifting rapidly with NIL and revenue sharing.Olympic sports may be at risk under new financial models.Strength coaches must track and present data to prove value.Burnout and mental health remain critical concerns in the field.Career sustainability requires rethinking how strength coaches are perceived.Advocacy, representation, and communication with administration are essential.More strength coaches lead to better athlete safety and satisfaction.It's time for the profession to stop accepting the status quo.Quote:“I see some issues with how strength and conditioning is represented... why do we as a profession just accept these things?” — Connor Agnew