Voodoo Power

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven sits down with Jay Paterno—former Penn State assistant coach and author of Blitzed—for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of college football.From NIL deals and the transfer portal to skyrocketing coaching salaries and mounting financial pressures, Paterno breaks down the forces reshaping the sport. The conversation explores the growing tension between maintaining academic integrity and navigating the realities of big-money athletics, while also addressing critical issues like mental health, athlete isolation, and the influence of gambling.Paterno offers a candid perspective on coaching in today’s environment, the need for structural reform, and what a sustainable future for college football could look like. This episode is a must-listen for coaches, administrators, and anyone invested in the direction of collegiate athletics.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Brian Mann—one of the leading voices in strength and conditioning—dives deep into the evolution of modern training methodology, from the weight room to the classroom. Now a clinical associate professor at Texas A&M, Mann reflects on his transition from coaching to academia and how that shift has shaped his impact on the field.The conversation explores the foundations and future of velocity-based training (VBT) and autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE), including how Mann developed load-velocity profiling and why he would refine those models differently today. He breaks down the realities of applying these systems across athletes with varying maturity levels, especially in the modern era of NIL and the transfer portal.Beyond theory, this episode gets highly practical—covering hip strength development, the biomechanics behind squat vs. deadlift performance, and how limitations in mobility (like the soleus) can directly affect bar velocity and athletic output. Mann also shares insights from his time learning under elite coaches, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving over rigid programming.The discussion expands into mental performance, highlighting the role of coaching alignment, athlete anxiety in the age of social media, and lessons drawn from “Coaching Mental Excellence.” The episode closes with a forward-looking conversation on the limitations of current athlete monitoring technology, particularly IMUs, and what’s needed to push the field ahead.This is a masterclass in bridging research and real-world coaching—packed with actionable insights for strength coaches, sport scientists, and performance professionals.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

Send us Fan MailSteven sits down with championship cross-country coach Bryant Wright to explore the philosophy behind building one of the most successful high school distance programs in the country at Festus High School. Wright shares how his program grew from a long championship drought into a dynasty that produced 11 state titles and eight consecutive championships from 2014–2021.The conversation dives deep into Wright’s coaching methods, including individualized training, heart-rate monitoring, tapering for peak performance, and how speed development through sprints and hill work plays a critical role even for long-distance runners. Wright explains how managing fatigue, preventing injuries, and building trust with athletes allows runners to consistently perform at a high level.Steven and Bryant also discuss coaching multi-sport athletes, balancing mileage and recovery, and the mental side of distance racing. Wright shares lessons learned over decades of coaching, emphasizing that great programs are built through consistent improvement, strong relationships, and a culture that encourages athletes to communicate openly about training and health.This episode provides valuable insight into the art of distance coaching and the leadership required to sustain championship-level success.Link to the bookhttps://a.co/d/00vJDjZkhttps://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ryan Banta shares his coaching philosophy shaped by years of success in high school track and field. He breaks down the critical differences in training boys and girls, explaining why coaching cannot be one-size-fits-all and how understanding physiological and psychological differences leads to better performance outcomes.The conversation dives into periodization models, athlete classification systems, and the importance of precise training prescription. Banta explains how to properly manage intensity, recovery, and adaptation while building resilient, high-performing athletes. He also discusses common coaching mistakes, the value of constructive criticism, and how he has evolved both personally and professionally throughout his career.This episode is a deep look into intelligent program design, long-term athlete development, and what it truly means to coach with purpose.If you need a shortened version for social or a keyword-optimized version for YouTube, I can tailor it precisely.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven Thompson sits down with Ross Garner for a wide-ranging conversation on high school strength and conditioning, coaching realities, and athlete development.They break down the challenges of modern coaching—from college football turnover and program inconsistency to building buy-in at the high school level. Coach Garner shares practical insights on programming for large groups, why deadlifts often outperform Olympic lifts for high school athletes, and how sprint improvements can quickly change a coach’s mindset.The discussion dives deep into: • Strength vs speed profiling for young athletes • Rep-max and percentage-based programming over rigid systems • Why strain matters in bench and lower body training • Conjugate principles for developing twitchy vs strength-based athletes • Jump training, sprint transfer, and realistic PR trackingThis episode delivers practical, field-tested coaching insight for high school coaches, private trainers, and anyone focused on long-term athlete development.🎧 Plates and Pancakes📅 Recorded on 12/31/25https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

Send us Fan MailRecorded 12/30/25In Part 2, the conversation dives deeper into elastic speed, force production, and long-term athlete development. Steven and Brandon break down how true speed is built through the integration of acceleration mechanics, plyometrics, and strength training — not just weight room numbers.They discuss how to identify whether an athlete is elastic-dominant or strength-dominant, how to program accordingly, and why broad jumps, resisted sprints, and intent-driven lifting matter more than traditional metrics.The episode also explores the evolution of sport performance, the dangers of over-coaching, and how developing adaptable, resilient athletes is the future of training.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

Send us Fan MailIn Part 1 of this in-depth conversation, Steven sits down with Brandon to break down the true foundations of sprint speed. The discussion centers on acceleration mechanics, horizontal force production, and why the broad jump may be one of the most underrated indicators of sprint performance.Brandon shares his philosophy on training sprinters based on their natural tendencies—whether they’re twitchy, elastic athletes or strength-dominant performers—and explains how resistance training, box squats, sumo deadlifts, and bounding can be used to build explosive power without sacrificing efficiency. Real coaching case studies highlight dramatic improvements in 200-meter times, state championship performances, and how mastering the first three steps can unlock an athlete’s speed ceiling.This episode is a deep dive into individualized sprint training, balancing technical execution with physical preparation, and understanding how force application and elasticity drive performance.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

Send us Fan MailLeadership isn’t theory — it’s built under pressure, tested in adversity, and proven through service. In this episode, Steven sits down with Eric Everard, a veteran leader whose career spans military health systems, enterprise IT transformation, and high-level wrestling coaching.With over 25 years of experience in process improvement and organizational leadership, Eric brings a rare combination of Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt expertise, health informatics innovation, agile project management, and USA Wrestling Gold-level coaching. From leading strategic initiatives in the U.S. Army and Colorado Military Health System to founding Crywolf Wrestling, Eric’s work sits at the intersection of performance, culture, and human development.The conversation moves far beyond sport.Eric breaks down how military leadership principles translate to youth athletics, why structured leadership development is the missing piece in most programs, and how culture takes 5–7 years to truly build — longer than most coaches stay. He explains his three-step leadership progression model, how to create athlete ownership without losing standards, and why coaches must shift from controllers to enablers.They tackle hard topics that impact performance and health: • The performance and neurological risks of aggressive weight cutting • Practical strategies for healthy weight management • Emotional regulation tools for teenagers under pressure • Reframing anxiety into readiness • How to build courage by allowing struggle in a safe environmentEric also shares his mission to grow women’s wrestling, outlining ways programs can better support female athletes through environment, coaching representation, training adjustments, and injury prevention. His approach centers on inclusion without lowering standards — building confidence through competence.The discussion closes with powerful reflections on coach ego, accountability, athlete empowerment, and why a coach’s real legacy is measured in long-term relationships, not win totals. Eric’s personal story, including overcoming a stroke during the pandemic, reinforces his belief that discipline is not punishment — it’s a tool for growth.This episode is a masterclass in leadership under pressure, culture building, and developing resilient athletes and humans.Who this is for: Coaches, strength professionals, wrestling leaders, and anyone responsible for building culture, developing young people, and leading with both structure and empathy.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steven sits down with Stephanie Grubbs, the first woman to serve as Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Houston Astros, to talk about what it really takes to prepare athletes for the demands of Major League Baseball.Stephanie shares her path from collegiate athletics to professional baseball, detailing how coaching in the MLB requires a different lens — one built on individualized programming, relationship equity, recovery management, and long-season workload strategy. She explains how sports science informs her decision-making, but why the art of coaching — communication, trust, and adaptability — ultimately determines impact.The conversation dives into:The transition from college sports to the professional modelManaging the physical and psychological load of a 162-game seasonIntegrating mental performance concepts like Challenge vs. Threat statesLeadership lessons from Good to Great and the “flywheel” approachMentorship and professional development in high-performance environmentsBalancing career growth with personal life in pro sportsWhy curiosity, authenticity, and relationship-building drive athlete buy-inStephanie also shares practical advice for strength coaches looking to advance their careers, emphasizing preparation, communication skills, and stepping outside comfort zones.This episode is a masterclass in high-performance culture, leadership, and athlete-centered coaching at the professional level.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steven sits down with veteran strength coach and former NFL nose tackle Scott Kellar for a wide-ranging conversation on training, recovery, and long-term athlete development.Coach Kellar brings decades of experience from both professional football and the weight room, offering insight into effective football training cycles, microdosing for multi-sport athletes, and how shorter training blocks can prevent burnout while improving performance. The conversation also explores actionable coaching strategies, including delivering precise feedback, managing athlete stress, and maintaining program standards as team leadership transitions.Additional topics include building sustainable training cultures, lessons learned from elite coaching environments, and Coach Kellar’s transition from NFL player to respected strength and conditioning coach. The episode closes with a discussion of functional movement evaluation, identifying biomechanical flaws in real time, and coaching athletes toward durable, repeatable performance.This episode is a must-listen for coaches, athletes, and practitioners looking to balance performance, longevity, and leadership in high-performance environments.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch