In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook Podcast, Mental Performance Coach Gary Chupik shares a playbook for the mind designed to help youth and college athletes thrive. From building focus, resilience, and confidence to navigating identity shifts and setbacks, Gary unpacks the practical routines and mindset strategies that athletes, coaches, and parents can use right now to strengthen the mental game. Whether it’s visualization, self-talk, or balancing toughness with mindfulness, you...
In this episode, Amy breaks down how nutrition and hydration directly impact an athlete’s focus both in the classroom and on the court. With practical examples, from what to eat at breakfast to how much water to drink before and during practice, this episode equips athletes with clear, actionable strategies to keep their mind as strong as their body. To learn more visit @thesportsnutritionplaybook and thesportsnutritionplaybook.com. Check out our YouTube channel for more sports nutrition ti...
Extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the U.S., yet most people don’t realize how unprepared they are to handle it. In this episode, we talk with the founder of Project H.E.A.T. (Heat Education Awareness Team), Lexi Engelbart, about why heat safety matters, the warning signs of heat-related illness, and what steps you can take to stay safe and protect others. You’ll walk away with practical insights, eye-opening stats, and a new perspective on how everyday prevention can save lives....
As an athlete, your performance isn’t just about fueling your body—it’s about fueling your brain too. In this episode, we dig into the powerful connection between nutrition, stress management, and peak performance. You’ll learn how the right foods can calm nerves and improve focus, why cutting back on ultra-processed foods gives you a competitive edge, and how to build balanced meals and snacks that power both your body and your mind. Whether you’re a high school athlete juggling classes, a c...
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Swales—a physiotherapist, strength coach, and creator of the Advanced Movement Therapist (AMT) Certification—for a powerful conversation on redefining rehabilitation and performance in teen athletes. We explore the evolution of rehab, why movement must come before treatment, and how nervous system regulation plays a critical role in recovery and performance. Whether you're a clinician, coach, or athlete, this episode offers a bold look at how we can move ...
In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook Podcast, we dive into the heated debate around sports drinks and clear up the controversy once and for all. While they often get labeled as “sugar water,” sports drinks serve a powerful purpose—when used strategically by athletes. You’ll learn why hydration needs spike in the summer heat, how sweat losses impact performance, and what key ingredients make sports drinks effective during training. We’ll break down exactly when to use water, electr...
In this episode, Dr. Rachele Pojednic breaks down what female athletes really need to know about supplements and performance. From navigating common nutrient gaps and hormonal shifts to understanding the difference between trendy products and science-backed essentials, she offers practical, research-driven insights. You'll learn when supplements make sense, how to choose safe options, and why food-first strategies still reign supreme. Whether you're training hard or coaching those who do, thi...
Summer break might be a time for athletes to train, travel, and reset—but it’s also prime time for fueling mistakes. In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, Amy Goodson breaks down the top five nutrition slip-ups athletes commonly make during the summer months—and more importantly, how to fix them. If you're an athlete, coach, or parent looking to help athletes thrive this summer, this episode is packed with must-hear tips to beat the heat and the nutrition pitfalls that come with i...
In this episode, Amy is joined by Megan Reamer, founder of Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips, to explore how one family's mission to support their son's health evolved into a brand athletes and parents alike can trust. From their Shark Tank experience to redefining what “smart summer snacking” looks like, Megan opens up about the role of intentional ingredients, performance-driven nutrition, and the impact of passion-driven entrepreneurship. Whether you're a sports parent, athlete, or snack lover,...
Summer training demands more from your body—and your fueling strategy. In this episode, we’re breaking down five essential tips to help athletes tackle early workouts, rising temps, and long training days with energy and confidence. From nighttime nutrition to morning hydration and smart snack choices, you’ll learn how to set yourself up for strong performances and speedy recoveries. Whether you’re coaching athletes or training yourself, you’ll walk away with practical, performance-boosting t...
In this empowering episode, author and wellness expert Robyn Engelson joins us to share insights from her book Exhausted to Energized – 90 Days to Your Best Self. Designed specifically for parents, coaches, and athletic trainers who constantly pour into others, Robyn breaks down why self-care often feels out of reach—and how to reclaim it without guilt. Listeners will learn how to avoid common burnout pitfalls, adopt small but powerful habits to boost energy, and set boundaries that protect t...
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and as athletes, we talk a lot about fueling for performance. But what about fueling your brain? In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, we’re breaking down the science of how the food you eat every day plays a direct role in your mental well-being. Whether you’re prepping for a big game, managing school stress, or just trying to feel your best — this is for you. To learn more visit @thesportsnutritionplaybook and thesportsnutrition...
In this episode, I am joined by Mark Faulkner, Founder of CON-CRET. We’re diving into the world of creatine HCl—what it is, how it stacks up against creatine monohydrate, and why it’s gaining popularity among athletes, gym-goers, and even everyday individuals looking to enhance performance, recovery, and overall health. We cover the science behind its absorption and bioavailability, explore its benefits beyond muscle gain (hello, brain health!), and tackle common misconceptions about creatine...
In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook podcast, we're diving into the fundamentals of smart muscle gain—without unnecessary fat accumulation. Learn how to gradually increase calories for lean mass, prioritize whole foods over empty calories, and time your macros for optimal performance. We’ll also cover strategic supplementation to enhance strength and recovery, plus the importance of tracking body composition beyond just the number on the scale. Whether you're looking to build musc...
In this episode, we dive into the unique skincare challenges faced by female athletes with Ann Ragan Kearns, former Penn State swimmer and founder of Medalist Skin. Ann shares how her experiences in the pool led her to develop a skincare line tailored to active women. We discuss the impact of sweat, sun, and environmental exposure on the skin, common mistakes athletes make, and the importance of building a simple yet effective routine. Ann also introduces the Medalist Skin product lineup, exp...
In this episode, host and sports dietitian Amy Goodson breaks down how to shape an athlete’s plate for peak performance. From balancing macronutrients to timing meals around training, Amy shares practical strategies to fuel athletes for energy, endurance, and recovery. Whether you're a competitive athlete, coach, or dietitian, this episode will give you actionable tips to optimize nutrition and maximize results on and off the field. To learn more visit @thesportsnutritionplaybook and the...
In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, host Amy Goodson sits down with sports dietitian Briana Butler to explore the vital role of cultural competence in fueling athletes for peak performance. They discuss the gaps in traditional sports nutrition. Briana shares practical strategies for initiating respectful conversations, integrating unfamiliar foods into science-based recommendations, and ensuring meal plans align with both performance goals and cultural traditions. The conversati...
In this episode, host Amy Goodson joins us to break down three trending nutrition topics for 2025: raw milk, seed oils, and red dye. She gets real about whether these buzzy food concerns are worth stressing over or just hype. From the safety risks of raw milk to balancing omega fats with smarter oil choices, and even spotting natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes, Amy shares practical advice every athlete can use. Tune in for straight talk on making informed nutrition decisions that fue...
In Episode 46, host Amy is joined by strength coach Shelby Reichle to explore the vital role communication plays in fostering successful athletic programs. Shelby shares insights on overcoming common communication challenges, offering strategies for athletes and parents to effectively connect with coaches while avoiding common pitfalls. The episode dives into how team coaches can navigate tough conversations with transparency and how support staff, like strength coaches and athletic trainers,...
In this episode, Amy explores the natural changes in body composition that youth and teen athletes experience during growth and development, often influenced by puberty, dietary habits, and lifestyle. She addresses common concerns from parents and coaches, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive, performance-focused mindset over restrictive diets or body shaming. Listeners will learn five practical strategies to support young athletes. These actionable tips help build lifelong, hea...