CAP 271 - Coaching Confidence in Competition | 28 August 2025
Release Date: 08/28/2025
CAP 282: From CrossFit to Coaching: Lessons Learned | 22 January 2026
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Ryan and Conquer Help dive into the evolution of coaching in the fitness industry, reflecting on their experiences from the early days of CrossFit to the present. They discuss the importance of understanding each modality in its purest form, emphasizing that a solid foundation in singular sports can enhance coaching effectiveness in mixed-modal training. The conversation also touches on the significance of a growth mindset for coaches, encouraging continuous learning and adaptation to better serve their athletes. They explore the concept of...
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CAP 281: Breaking Down 2026 Fitness Trends - with Tyler Cooke | 15 January 2026
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of community and respect in fitness, the balance between open gym culture and group classes, and the future of training trends. They explore the role of technology and AI in fitness, the significance of individualized programs, and the impact of attitude on gym culture. The conversation also touches on morning routines and the rise of jujitsu as a popular form of training. Takeaways The main goal of a gym is to help people get healthier. Balancing open gym culture with community is essential. Respect between different training...
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CAP 280: Understanding your Gym’s Avatar & The Future of Affiliate Programming
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the current state of affiliate programming in the fitness industry. They explore how the rise of standardized programming from major companies may be stifling creativity and individuality in gym programming. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the specific needs and demographics of gym members, referred to as the 'avatar', and how tailored programming can lead to better outcomes for clients. They also highlight the significance of simplicity in program design, arguing that effective...
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CAP 279: Nuance in Stimulus-Driven Scaling with Tyler Cooke
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Jason Leydon, Tyler Cooke, and Ryan Bucciantini discuss various topics related to CrossFit, coaching strategies, and the future of fitness competitions. They delve into the reasons behind athlete dropouts from competitions, the importance of effective coaching, and the challenges of scaling workouts for different skill levels. The conversation emphasizes the need for coaches to be prepared and to understand the intended stimulus of workouts to better serve their athletes. They also touch on the significance of communication and trust...
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CAP 278: From Off-Season to Competition: A Training Journey with Tyler Cooke
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Alley podcast, hosts Tyler Cooke, Jason Leydon, and Ryan Bucciantini engage in a lively discussion about the transition from off-season training to competition preparation. They explore the mental and physical challenges athletes face when ramping up their training intensity, the importance of building a strong foundation, and effective programming strategies for long-term success. The conversation also touches on nutrition, recovery, and the mindset needed to thrive in competitive environments. Takeaways Transitioning from off-season to competition requires...
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CAP 277: The Art of Coaching: Insights and Anecdotes with Tyler Cooke | 20 November 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete Podcast, hosts Jason Leydon, Tyler Cooke, and Ryan Bucciantini engage in a candid discussion about the coaching profession, the importance of professionalism, and the dynamics between athletes and coaches. They share personal anecdotes, rants about job applications, and insights into the challenges faced by coaches and athletes alike. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, effective communication, and the art of coaching in high-pressure environments, ultimately highlighting the significance of preparation and mindset in achieving...
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CAP 276: Unlocking Athlete Potential with Tyler Cooke | 13 November 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon welcome Tyler Cooke, a CrossFit athlete and coach. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of pacing strategies in workouts, the role of coaching in athlete development, and the need for structured rest and recovery. They also discuss the phenomenon of 'cuckolding' in a humorous context, and how it relates to their previous discussions. The episode emphasizes the significance of learning from training experiences, particularly when athletes 'blow up' during workouts, and the...
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CAP 275 - Avoiding the Pitfalls of Randomized Training | 6 November 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
Summary In this episode, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the importance of structured programming in training, contrasting systems versus chaos. They explore the role of variance in exercise selection and the need for individualized program design. The conversation highlights the significance of having a game plan, understanding the timeline of training seasons, and the pitfalls of constantly varied programming without purpose. They emphasize the value of mentorship and the challenges of online programming in the fitness industry. Takeaways Structured programming is...
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CAP 274 - Mastering Progressive Overload in Training - 30 Oct 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the concept of progressive overload in training, particularly within the context of CrossFit. They explore how progressive overload extends beyond simply adding weight to exercises, emphasizing the importance of various training stimuli and the need for coaches to understand their athletes' goals. The conversation also touches on the significance of managing variability in training programs and the necessity of a structured approach to achieve desired adaptations. The episode concludes with an...
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CAP 273: From Strip Clubs to Coaching: A Wild Ride | 16 Oct 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon engage in a lively discussion that ranges from sports rants and personal anecdotes to coaching philosophies and food preferences. They explore the challenges of individualizing coaching in group settings, the importance of understanding athlete needs, and the significance of creating an authentic coaching environment. The conversation is peppered with humor, personal stories, and insights into the world of fitness and coaching. Takeaways Hitting a baseball is considered one of the hardest tasks in...
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In this episode of the Conquer Athlete Podcast, Ryan and Jason delve into the topic of performance anxiety, exploring its causes, effects, and strategies for management. They discuss the importance of exposure to competitive environments and the impact of past trauma on athletes' performance. The conversation also highlights practical strategies for coaches to help athletes manage anxiety, emphasizing the need for athletes to trust their training and respond effectively under pressure. The episode concludes with insights on shifting mindset from anxiety to excitement, fostering a healthier approach to competition.
Takeaways
Performance anxiety can stem from a lack of exposure to competitive environments.
Athletes need to be strategically placed in situations that mimic competition to build confidence.
Trauma from past experiences can significantly impact an athlete's performance.
Coaches should avoid over-coaching and allow athletes to trust their instincts during competition.
It's important for athletes to reflect on their experiences to understand their responses to pressure.
Changing the narrative from anxiety to excitement can help athletes perform better.
Athletes should be prepared for unexpected challenges during competitions.
Understanding the psychological aspects of performance can enhance coaching strategies.
Exposure to high-pressure situations is crucial for developing resilience in athletes.
The relationship between coach and athlete should foster independence and confidence.
Sound bites
"You have to let them fly."
"It's normal to have butterflies."
"This was one of our best podcasts."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Performance Anxiety
18:14 Exploring Performance Anxiety Beyond the Bedroom
20:08 Navigating Relationships and Perceptions
21:40 Understanding Performance Anxiety
29:41 The Role of Coaches in Athlete Performance
32:20 The Impact of Overthinking on Performance
38:28 The Balance of Planning and Adaptability
44:51 Transforming Anxiety into Excitement