Talkin' Pitt by Pitt Sports Performance

The Strength and Conditioning and Sports Science staff at the University of Pittsburgh sit down to discuss the evolution of sports performance

Talkin' Pitt by Pitt Sports Performance is a health podcast hosted by Brenna, with 64 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Brenna hosts Talkin' Pitt by Pitt Sports Performance, a health show with 64 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #64

  Talkin' Pitt #64 Conor Cantwell - William & Mary - "Using Data Without Losing the Art of Coaching

  Aug 7, 202656 min

  In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, I sit down with Conor Cantwell from the College of William & Mary to talk about one of the biggest challenges in strength and conditioning: making informed decisions without overcomplicating the process. Connor shares how he's using heart rate monitoring with women's basketball, why he's pursuing a PhD in the area, and how objective data can help coaches better understand training load, fitness, recovery, and readiness throughout a long competitive season. We dive into practical ways to monitor athletes without adding unnecessary fatigue, why submaximal fitness testing may become a valuable tool, and how heart rate data can improve communication with sport coaches. Beyond monitoring, we discuss what effective conditioning actually looks like, the importance of training athletes hard enough to create adaptation, and why coaches shouldn't be afraid of planned fatigue when it's part of the process. We also explore how to make conditioning more engaging through competition and games, how to program plyometrics for basketball and volleyball athletes, and how to balance science, coaching instincts, and athlete development. Whether you're a strength coach, sport coach, or student looking to improve your understanding of athlete monitoring and performance, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can apply immediately. In this episode, we cover: Connor's journey into a PhD focused on heart rate monitoring in women's basketball. How submaximal fitness testing can track aerobic fitness throughout a season. Using heart rate data to guide practice planning and monitor training load. Why recovery, fatigue, and readiness aren't always the same thing. The value of gamifying conditioning to increase athlete buy-in. Programming plyometrics for basketball and volleyball athletes. Whether strength coaches are training athletes hard enough in today's environment. Lessons from mentorship, continuing education, and building a career in collegiate strength and conditioning. Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout. Conor Cantwell Contact Instagram: @cantwellconor Email: cjcantwell@wm.edu Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #63

  Talkin' Pitt #63 Dr. Justin Lima - Owner Strength Coach Network - Building More Than Strong Athletes | Dr. Justin Lima on Coaching, Business & Longevity

  Jul 24, 202642 min

  In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Aaron Duvall takes over hosting duties as he sits down with Dr. Justin Lima, owner of Strength Coach Network and former collegiate strength coach, for a conversation that goes far beyond sets, reps, and programming. Justin shares his journey from coaching in the collegiate setting to becoming a business owner, discussing the challenges of building Strength Coach Network and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation explores how many of the skills that make great strength coaches- problem-solving, adaptability, communication, and leadership- also translate directly into running a successful business. Aaron and Justin also dive into what it means to build a long, fulfilling career in strength and conditioning. They discuss why "work-life balance" is better viewed as work-life integration, the importance of creating systems that allow you to be both an effective coach and present for your family, and why coaches should focus less on how many hours they work and more on the results they produce. Throughout the episode, Justin reflects on the hundreds of conversations he's had with coaches through the Strength Coach Network podcast and explains why the best practitioners are lifelong learners who aren't afraid to ask questions, collaborate, and build relationships. Rather than viewing other coaches as competition, he encourages listeners to connect with former coaches, private performance coaches, and anyone who can help them better serve their athletes. To close the conversation, Justin shares what has him most excited about the future of sports performance. He explains why aerobic development and energy system training have become a major focus in his own learning and coaching, and why many strength coaches may be overlooking one of the biggest pieces of long-term athletic development. Whether you're an experienced coach, just entering the profession, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode is packed with practical lessons on coaching, business, lifelong learning, and building a career that makes a lasting impact. Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout. Dr. Justin Lima Contact Instagram: @dr.justinlima, @strength_coach_network Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #62

  Talkin' Pitt # 62 Erica Lowery - Director of Ahtletic Performance -University of South Alabama "From Division I Volleyball to Division I Strength Coach"

  Jun 8, 20261h 8mS0

  <p>This episode of Talkin’ Pitt features Erica Lowery, one of the fastest-rising young coaches in collegiate strength and conditioning. Erica shares her journey from being a Division I volleyball athlete at Texas A&M University and Liberty University to becoming a strength coach at the University of South Alabama, where she works with volleyball, soccer, and cross-country athletes.</p> <p> </p> <p>Throughout the conversation, Erica dives into the coaches and experiences that shaped her philosophy, including the impact of legendary mentors like Danny Evans and Ray Ellsworth. She opens up about transferring schools, finding confidence through training, and how...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #61

  Talkin' Pitt #61 Dr. Dillion Martinez - Speed Development, Sprint Mechanics & Coaching Communication

  May 15, 20261h 18mS0

  <p>In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Coach Young sits down with Dr. Dillon Martinez to dive deep into the world of speed development, sprint mechanics, and coaching communication. From breaking down the myth that “speed can’t be taught” to discussing how coaches can create faster, more resilient athletes, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for strength coaches, sport coaches, and anyone interested in athletic performance.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Martinez shares the story behind his book Breaking the Speed Barrier, how his father shaped his philosophy on sprint training, and why teaching speed is just as important...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #60

  Talkin' Pitt #60 Ashley Kowalewski - LSU - Freedom in Programming: Isometrics, Load Management, and Coaching Evolution

  Apr 10, 202650 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Devin sits down with LSU’s Coach AK to dive deep into the evolving landscape of strength and conditioning, challenging traditional norms and exploring innovative approaches to athlete development.</p> <p> </p> <p>Coach AK shares why she’s currently most excited about implementing year-round isometrics, discussing how overcoming, yielding, and quasi-isometric methods can improve athletes' health, performance, and adaptability within a system. The conversation explores how coaches can balance evidence-based principles with real-world constraints such as facility limitations, training age, and time demands.</p> <p> </p> <p>Devin and Coach AK discuss the valu...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Talkin' Pitt by Pitt Sports Performance. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.