Coach Em Up Podcast The Soul of Athletics with AUSTIN JOCHUM | Ep. 9
Apr 23, 2024
Austin Jochum, a strength and conditioning coach known for his 'Keep Chopping Wood' philosophy, dives into athletic development and coaching culture. He emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience in sports and advocates for a shift from pure metrics to skill acquisition. Austin discusses authenticity in coaching, encouraging trainers to engage with the sport physically. He critiques conventional mental toughness narratives and stresses the need for purposeful practice. Throughout, he shares insights on daily growth and building an open gym culture.
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The A‑Gap Moment That Changed Everything
- Austin Jochum describes getting “laid out” by a senior linebacker as the catalyst that shifted his training perspective.
- That moment made him realize strength alone wasn’t enough and pushed him to study broader athletic development.
High School Coach Sparked A Career
- Austin traces his start to high school strength culture and a coach who redirected him toward training instead of self‑destructive choices.
- That early mentorship gave him belief, consistency, and an identity tied to coaching.
Sprinting And Jumping Are Nonnegotiable
- Adding jumps and sprints transformed Austin's approach because they exposed athletic qualities missing from pure weightlifting programs.
- He argues many coaches are trapped in a weight-room box and must add athletic tools to progress athletes.
