HNL Movement Podcast

In this insightful episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into the foundational aspects of sports nutrition for young athletes, emphasizing the importance of cutting through the noise of trendy diets and misleading information. With the landscape of nutrition advice filled with confusion, Andrew brings clarity to what truly matters for the health and performance of adolescent athletes. He underscores the necessity of a balanced diet over supplements and the peril of following fleeting nutrition fads that often do more harm than good. Andrew discusses the specific nutritional needs of young athletes, from the critical roles of proteins, carbs, and fats to the dangers of energy deficits and inappropriate dieting. He offers practical advice on building sustainable eating habits that focus on whole foods, balanced meals, and the joy of eating. The episode is not just about nutrition; it's a call to foster a lifelong healthy relationship with food that supports both athletic and personal growth. Tune in for a thorough breakdown of how young athletes can navigate the complex world of nutrition to find a path that enhances their growth, health, and athletic performance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth sports, from athletes and coaches to parents looking to support their young sports stars in the most effective way. Enjoy the episode, and join the conversation on nurturing the champions of tomorrow with the right nutritional foundations today!

In this reflective episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew celebrates a major milestone—completing his PhD—and shares the broader life lessons gleaned from this intense academic journey. While this milestone is profoundly personal, Andrew focuses on the universal themes of resilience, community support, and the practical application of learning that resonate with anyone tackling significant challenges. He delves into how the discipline and perseverance required to navigate a PhD program mirror the mental and physical demands athletes face, highlighting the synergy between achieving academic and athletic excellence. As Andrew reflects on the importance of a supportive network and the critical thinking skills honed during his studies, he invites listeners to consider how these lessons can be applied to their own lives. Whether you're pushing through performance plateaus, building supportive relationships, or making informed decisions in training and life, this episode is a testament to the power of persistence and informed action. Join Andrew for a celebration of completion and a look forward to applying these hard-earned insights to everyday challenges and opportunities. Enjoy this episode and get inspired to tackle your own endeavors with renewed vigor and strategy!

In this engaging episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew sits down with Kawika Shoji, whose journey through sports has been fueled by a diverse love for competition and a dedication to mastering various disciplines. Kawika's early dreams of playing basketball or golf gave way to volleyball, where his father, renowned coach Dave Shoji, introduced Sunday volleyball practice sessions at a young age with him and his friends. This early exposure to structured practice and high-level play laid a solid foundation for his impressive volleyball career. Delving into the nuances of athletic growth, Kawika discusses how remaining present in the moment and tackling each immediate goal prepared him for larger achievements down the road. His tenure at Stanford stands as a testament to this approach, leading to his evolution as both a competitor on the volleyball court and a scholar. Reflecting on his heritage, Kawika highlights Hawaii's vibrant athletic culture, crediting it with nurturing his own path as well as that of numerous other elite athletes, including the unforgettable journey to the Olympics with his brother, Eric Shoji, and another friend and local athlete, Micah Christenson. Join Andrew and Kawika for a insightful discussion that celebrates the discipline ingrained by sports and the deep connections it forges. This episode is a touching tribute to the ways in which athletic pursuits can shape life's trajectory, creating bonds and building character along the way. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and the spirit of athletic excellence. Enjoy the episode!

In this fascinating episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into the lesser-known world of the hip's deep external rotators, shedding light on their crucial role in stability and movement. While the rotator cuff of the shoulder might be a familiar concept to many, the hip's equivalent stabilizers often remain underappreciated and misunderstood. Andrew begins with a challenge: naming the six deep hip external rotators, a task that proves tricky for even seasoned practitioners. This episode promises to illuminate these important muscles, exploring their function, importance, and how they compare and contrast to their shoulder counterparts. Andrew breaks down complex anatomical and biomechanical concepts into digestible insights, ensuring listeners walk away with a clearer understanding of hip stability and how to optimize it through proper positioning and movement. By drawing comparisons to the well-understood rotator cuff, Andrew makes the intricate workings of the hip more accessible to his audience. This episode is not just about anatomy; it's about enhancing performance and prevention strategies through a deeper understanding of our bodies. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to deepen your appreciation for the role of the hip's deep external rotators in athletic performance and everyday movement. Enjoy the episode!

In this swift episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew teases the intriguing interplay between sensory input and athletic performance, a subject often shadowed by the focus on physical mechanics. As he puts the finishing touches on his dissertation, Andrew introduces listeners to the concept that our central nervous system is constantly at work, collecting and processing a myriad of sensory information to orchestrate movement. It’s not just about the visible strength and speed but also about the unseen force of sensory acuity that can elevate an athlete's game. Stay tuned as Andrew promises to unravel more about this fascinating topic in future episodes, offering insights that need to be considered to unlock new levels of performance. This quick but potent discussion serves as a prelude to deeper dives that will explore how important it is to consider somatosensory function and neuroplasticity in our training routines. As Andrew returns to his PhD finale, he leaves us with a compelling snippet to ponder: unlocking our full physical potential lies within our central nervous system. Enjoy the episode and keep an ear out for more to come after the dissertation dust settles!

In the latest episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew sits down with Cindy Clivio, the athletic health care manager at Kamehameha Schools and the Far West Athletic Trainers’ Association District Director. With a passion for sports from a young age, Cindy’s unexpected path into athletic training began in high school and was bolstered by a supportive coach who saw potential in her talents. Her move to Hawaii during her senior year proved to be a transformative experience, exposing her to new challenges and enriching her resilience as she integrated into the local culture and athletic community. Cindy recounts her journey from intern to certified athletic trainer, a path marked by intense learning, mentorship, and the joy of discovering her calling. She recounts the early days of athletic training in Hawaii during the '90s, a time when the profession was just gaining traction in the state. Her dedication to service and leadership within the field has not only seen the growth of athletic training programs in schools but also the legislative progress that ensures the presence of athletic trainers in high schools statewide. Celebrating National Athletic Training Month, Cindy and Andrew delve into the multifaceted role of athletic trainers and how they contribute to student-athletes' well-being, far beyond injury management. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciation for athletic trainers and highlights the dynamic evolution of the profession. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that shines a light on the pivotal role of athletic training in sports and education and the bright future it holds. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew takes listeners on a motivating journey through the landscapes of discomfort and growth. Andrew draws from his own experiences in academia and professional life, illustrating how the most profound personal and athletic developments are seeded in challenges that push us outside of our comfort zone. He shares his philosophy that growth isn't just about confronting difficulties but about learning, adapting, and evolving through them. Andrew delves into the art of embracing hard work not for its own sake but as a vehicle for improvement and mastery. He encourages adopting a mindset that welcomes the uncomfortable, the unfamiliar, and the tough, with the knowledge that these experiences are the crucibles where our potential is refined and realized. This episode is a compelling narrative about the power of perspective in transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own paths, to recognize the value in stepping beyond their comfort zones, and to engage with Andrew and the community in sharing stories of triumph over trials. Tune in for a motivational deep dive into why the journey through discomfort, with intention and purpose, is truly where greatness begins to take shape. Enjoy this reminder that in the realm of performance and life, stepping out of your comfort zone is where you'll find your true strength. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into the rich tapestry of our favorite foods and the hidden stories they tell about our nutrition preferences and habits. It's not just about the flavors that tantalize our taste buds; it's about understanding the complex web of cultural, emotional, and social factors that influence our food choices. Andrew explores how our most cherished meals offer insights into our nutritional habits, highlighting the importance of mindful eating and finding joy in every bite.  Andrew encourages listeners to think beyond the surface of their food preferences, prompting a deeper reflection on how these choices shape their approach to nutrition and overall well-being. He stresses the value of enjoying what we eat as part of a balanced diet, advocating for a healthy relationship with food that supports both health and happiness.  Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of what our favorite foods can teach us about ourselves. Share your own food stories on social media, engaging with Andrew and the HNL community in a celebration of the foods that hold special meaning in our lives. Enjoy the episode!

In the first-ever "Yin and Yancy" segment on the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew and professional athlete Yancy get real about tackling the tough parts of training. Today's topic is a candid exploration of what to do when you hit a snag with something you're being coached on. Yancy, drawing from his extensive experience, emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in practice, advocating for "perfect practice makes perfect." He shares his approach on simply focusing back on his breathing as a tool to reset and refine his performance under pressure.  Andrew complements Yancy's athlete-centric insights with reflections on the practitioner's role in fostering a nurturing environment for growth. He highlights the pivotal importance of building a strong, trusting relationship between the athlete and coach, noting that effective communication and understanding evolve over time. Together, they unravel the intricate dance of guiding an athlete's support team towards a cohesive goal, underscoring the significance of clear, respectful dialogue in catalyzing development and breakthroughs.  This dialogue between Yancy and Andrew offers listeners a rare glimpse into the dynamic synergy of athlete and coach interactions. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, the art of communication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence through mindful, intentional practice. Tune in for a thought-provoking session that bridges the gap between theory and practice, weaving together the threads of expertise from both sides of the athletic journey. Enjoy this episode of "Yin and Yancy," where every conversation is a step towards mastering the art of performance!

In this insightful episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew zeroes in on the essence of training with a present-focused mindset. He shares why the true markers of progress aren’t anchored in our past successes or future ambitions, but in the dedication and effort we pour into our current practices. Through relatable anecdotes, Andrew discusses the pitfalls of dwelling on past achievements which can lead to complacency, and how fixating on distant goals might cloud our appreciation for the journey and our current capabilities. Andrew offers actionable strategies for embracing the moment, emphasizing mindfulness in every workout or training session as a standalone opportunity for growth. He inspires listeners to focus on the direction they're heading, reassuring that it's not about where you are now but the progress you're committed to making every day. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging the community to share their experiences of staying present and its impact on their performance and mindset. Tune in for a motivating reminder that in training, as in life, the power of now is our greatest ally in achieving excellence. Andrew's message is a call to embrace the present with all its potential for improvement, promising that the rewards of such focus are both immediate and profound. Enjoy this episode!