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The Layback Podcast, presented by FlexPro Grip, is a niche baseball and sport podcast focused primarily on UCL (ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow) tears and other arm injuries. We dive deep on rehab and performance, explore the most innovative care, technology and performance initiatives. We aim to interview leading surgeons, researchers, coaches, baseball minds and, most importantly, tell the stories of the athletes. Layback is a community. If you have a story to share, let us know.
99 Episodes
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Episode 99 of The Layback Podcast welcomes Chloe Walker as she shares her journey from a high school student looking for something to do, to her current role as the Director of Pitching Development and Baseball Operations at Gardner Webb University. Chloe shares her passion for baseball analytics and massive personal growth she has experienced thus far in her short career. She discusses the importance of data interpretation in player development, the challenges of overcoming skepticism towards analytics, and the balance between team success and individual player development. Chloe also reflects on her transition from professional baseball (New York Mets / Baltimore Orioles organizations) to college coaching, the baseline needs of building an analytics department on a budget, and the significance of curiosity and problem-solving in the field. The conversation concludes with insights into the differences between pro and college baseball, and a light-hearted moment about her beloved shelter dog, Lucy.
Denton Sagerman, Assistant Coach for the University of Indiana Hoosiers baseball program, steps in for episode 98 of The Layback Podcast. His unique role on staff includes heading up player development, assisting the pitching staff, overseeing the catchers, and working deeply on scouting and analytics. Given Sagerman's background in aerospace engineering, naturally the conversation goes a mile deep on pitch design, arsenal creation, and ball flight. Later in the show, conversation spans into the rehab and development realms, discussing the individual characteristics and needs that must to be considered in throwing programs. Capping things off, Sagerman outlines IU's high hopes for the upcoming 2026 season addresses the departure of Dustin Glant and recent hire of Matt Myers.
Layback host, Adam Moreau, runs through a few points from the Nextbase presentation at the 2025 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar that needed some special attention. Two specific topics got the most love in the episode - the supposed second valgus load of the elbow, or ghost torque, and the lower moment of inertia (MOI) ball for spin development and training. These two topics are both novel and unique, thus they deserved their own dedicated time.
The Layback Podcast (episode 96) once again welcomes back Josh Hejka for a part 2 of discussing insights and takeaways from the 2025 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar. This year's topics included a significant focus on biomechanics, feedback loops, problem definition, decision-making criteria, and performance data. Hejka and host, Adam Moreau, provide look back at the first half of the seminar and provide a comprehensive overview of the modern player development strategies discussed at the seminar, while offering some banter and opinions along the way.
The Layback Podcast (episode 95) welcomes back Josh Hejka to discuss insights and takeaways from the 2025 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar. This year's topics included a significant focus on biomechanics, feedback loops, problem definition, decision-making criteria, and performance data. Hejka and host, Adam Moreau, provide look back at the first half of the seminar and provide a comprehensive overview of the modern player development strategies discussed at the seminar, while offering some banter and opinions along the way.
The Layback Podcast presents a panel discussion including Layback alumni and pro pitchers Josh Hejka (free agent), Aiden May (Marlins), and Dawson Netz (Cubs), as well as Wake Forest Friday night arm, Blake Morningstar. The conversation positions players with the power, as they share with coaches/professionals in the industry about what data means to them, how they want to be approached, and how they can be empowered in the development process. The guys discuss the application and adoption of FlexPro Grip, a device aimed at reducing UCL injuries in baseball players. The panel discusses the importance of player experiences, the role of data in training, and the necessity of building trust between players and coaches. They emphasize individualized training approaches while balancing the need for a global understanding of player development. The panel also highlights the significance of collaboration in the development process and the importance of making information accessible to players for their growth and success.
Anthony Casciola, founder of Casciola Performance and "the labrum isn't real" movement, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 93. The conversation delves into the critical aspects of athlete recovery post-surgery, emphasizing the importance of confidence and communication between athletes and their support teams. It highlights the challenges in measuring an athlete's confidence, going beyond what we can objectively track and addresses the necessity for open dialogue to ensure a successful recovery process. Of course, we talked about Casciola's love for memes as well.
The Layback Podcast (episode 92), features Hayden Lewis, a senior right-handed pitcher with University of Washington. Lewis shares his journey as a college baseball pitcher, discussing his experiences at various universities (University Arizona, and New Mexico State prior to Washington), overcoming injuries, and the mental resilience required in sport. He delves into the differences in his rehab processes across his two elbow surgeries, his development journey, and the importance of strength training and movement patterns. Hayden also sheds light on how his love of golf has led to some breakthroughs with his mental game. Although his role with the Huskies in the 2026 season is undefined, Hayden remains determined to make the most of his final year of college ball.
The Layback Podcast welcomes Ezra Bye, the Director of Player Development and Pitching Lab Coordinator at Wake Forest University, as he shares his journey from being a D2 player to a college baseball coach with a few pro ball stops in between. He discusses the importance of player development, the continuum of rehab and performance, and the role of data and technology in modern coaching. Ezra also highlights the upcoming Wake Forest Player Development Seminar, emphasizing the value of networking and knowledge sharing among baseball's thought leaders.
Adam Moreau is running things solo on The Layback Podcast for this Thanksgiving episode (episode 90) to discuss the current state of FlexPro Grip, upcoming athlete interviews, and the company's growth within Major League Baseball organizations. The conversation delves into the introduction of dynamic programming for in-season training, the importance of maintenance versus development, and the new weekly protocol schedule feature in the FlexPro Grip app.
Dawson Netz, a right-handed pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization, shares his journey from being a standout high school player, to navigating injuries at the University of Arizona, and eventually getting a crack at pro ball in episode 89 of The Layback Podcast. He discusses the importance of analytics in pitching development, the mental challenges athletes face, and the significance of building trust with coaches and players. Dawson also reflects on his brief transition to coaching and its direct impact on his own player development, the Cubs' approach to high performance, and the future of baseball analytics. His story is one of resilience, learning, and the drive to help others succeed in the sport.
Dr. Mike Sonne, Pitching Scientist for the Chicago Cubs, shares his journey from academia to the world of baseball in episode 88 of The Layback Podcast. He discusses his background in ergonomics, the development of ProPlay AI, and the importance of workload tracking in player performance. Dr. Sonne emphasizes the need for innovative training approaches and effective communication within sports teams. Sonne sings the praises of the Cubs organization in their ability to create player in the development process. He also highlights the significance of inclusivity in sports through his work with the Steel City Inclusive Softball Association, and shares his aspirations for the future of baseball and player development.
Episode 87 of The Layback Podcast features physical therapist Jason Modafari as he shares his journey into the world of sports rehabilitation, discussing his transition to the Athletic Potential team, manning the post at Driveline Tampa. He delves into the challenges of burnout in traditional physical therapy settings, the benefits of cash-based therapy, and innovative approaches to athlete rehabilitation. Jason emphasizes the importance of integrating strength training with physical therapy, utilizing technology for objective measurements, and even offers a look into his nuanced application bodybuilding principles to enhance athletic performance. He also highlights the significance of workload management in rehabilitation and expresses excitement for the upcoming offseason, where he aims to help athletes in a manner that he has always dreamed of.
This webinar focuses on the development of Baseball Rehab Network's new evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines for athletes recovering from UCL injuries. Daryl Moreau, Dylan Newcomer, Gunnar Brolinson, and Matt Fury discuss the need for updated protocols, the importance of individualized rehab plans, and the role of various metrics in assessing readiness to return to play. Key themes include the significance of forearm strength, workload management, and the psychological aspects of recovery. The discussion emphasizes a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that prioritizes performance and injury prevention, especially for pitchers.
For The Layback Podcast's episode 85, Adam welcomes back physical therapist Nolan Rappe. The two talk about his transition to Premier Pitching Performance and the innovative approaches they are taking in athlete development. They delve into the evolution of the Fortify and Boost platforms and the importance of tracking athlete performance. The crux of the episode surrounds the spectrum of training dosages and prescriptions with particular mind to neurology and physiology in training. The discussion includes thoughts on general physical preparedness, the role of assessments, and the future of UCL rehab protocols, emphasizing the need for objectivity and comprehensive strategies in athlete care. Witness Adam and Nolan's work on display in Baseball Rehab Network's newly designed UCL rehab protocols - Redefining UCL Rehab: Data-Driven Guidelines from Surgery to Competition.
The Layback Podcast is back for episode 84 with Don Day, the owner of Hog Performance. Don shares his unique journey from football to baseball training and shows the massive undertaking of learning this journey required. "The Warthog," as he is affectionately known, discusses his innovative training methods, including conjugate training, and emphasizes the importance of assessments to tailor personalized programs for peak athlete development. He also reflects on his experiences in Japan, where he provided coaching insights to a premier facility. The conversation highlights Don's commitment to his athletes and his vision for the future of Hog Performance.
Josh Davis, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of TriStar Strength and Rehab joins the conversation for episode 83 of The Layback Podcast. Adam and Josh discuss the gaps in physical therapy education, the importance of individualized care, and the role of communication in translating data into actionable insights for athletes. Josh also shares his thoughts on the need for youth athletes to engage in multiple sports to prevent overuse injuries. Additionally, he expresses how the FlexPro Grip device has enhanced both training and athlete care in his clinic. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the athlete as a person, not just their injuries, and the evolving landscape of sports science and rehabilitation.
In episode 82 of The Layback Podcast, host Adam Moreau interviews Mike Grady of Grady's Pitching School, a seasoned pitching coach with over 20 years of experience and former pro pitcher. The two discuss the evolution of player development, the integration of AI in coaching, and the importance of assessments and training plans. Mike shares insights on managing athlete workloads, the significance of recovery, and the collaborative approach to coaching. He emphasizes the impact of belief in athletes and the continuous learning process in coaching. The conversation also touches on Grady Pitching School's VIP program and multi-sport participation for young athletes.
In episode 81 of The Layback Podcast, professional pitcher Matt Swilley shares his extensive journey through professional baseball, discussing the challenges he faced, including injuries, the yips, and the balance between his career and family life. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right opportunities, the mental aspects of the game, and his passion for coaching. Swilley reflects on his experiences across all levels — the minors, Indy ball, international leagues — and his aspirations for the future, particularly in balancing his baseball career with being a devoted husband and father.
Episode 80 of The Layback Podcast has host and FlexPro Grip co-founder, Adam Moreau, running solo as he shares his personal reflections on balancing fatherhood and work responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to feel productive even in challenging times. He discusses practical strategies like making lists to enhance productivity, or even just the feeling of productivity, and the significance of communication and support from others. The episode serves as a reminder to prioritize what truly matters and to seek help when needed.
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