
The Robbie Bourke Podcast
Performance, health, learning, creativity, mastery.
Interviews and conversations with leaders in their respected fields.
Latest episodes

Feb 14, 2018 • 1h 34min
Episode 158: Performance Therapy and Rehabilitation Strategies for Powerlifting and Bodybuilding
This episodes guest is John Quint.
John is a Neuromuscular therapist, Functional Range Release, Functional Range Conditioning and Active Release Technique provider, located in Columbus, Ohio, in the USA. John combines these forms of advanced soft tissue treatments to treat clients and patients who have musculoskeletal misalignment, myofascial pain and dysfunction.
John is also the main Performance Therapist at Westside Barbell, where he helps all of Westsides athletes stay healthy, reduce injury potential, and effectively and efficiently rehab any athletes who are coming back from injury.
On this episode John and I discuss:
John's background
John's influences
What are the good and not so good things that John currently see's with the physical preparation and rehabilitation professions, and what solutions would he offer for the not so good things he is seeing
John and I discuss the need to be as a objective as possible with the assessment process and why it is important to try and remove personal bias' within this process
John and I discuss the importance of variability to increase adaptative capacity, which is a critical component in injury reduction and the rehabilitation process
John shares with us his Training and Treatment Philosophies
John talks about why he treats the person - NOT the diagnosis
John lays out his Treatment System and gives us a shoulder injury as a case study
Why did John decide to become a Neuromuscular Therapist?
John and I discuss the role that Performance Therapy could potentially have within the sport of Powerlifting
John shares with us his biggest lessons he has learned so far in his career and life
John shares his top resources
John gives us his top advice to all the listeners
And if John could invite 5 people to dinner, dead or alive, who would he invite and why?
This was an outstanding episode with John guys, and I hope you really enjoy it.
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Notes:
John's Website
John's Facebook
John's Twitter
Show Sponsors:
Ultimate Performance Online Mentorship
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
ALTIS
ALTIS 360
ALTIS Foundation Course
National Sports Performance Association
Certified Program Design Specialist
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Cerfitied Weightlifting Performance Coach
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Athletes Acceleration
Complete Speed Training
Complete Speed Games
Complete Jumps Training
Complete Olympic Lifting
Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete
Complete Core
Complete Sports Conditioning
Complete Sports Nutrition
Complete Program Design
Sports Camp Empire
Patreon
Help support the podcast by becoming a Patreon to the show here - Patreon

Feb 11, 2018 • 1h 6min
Episode 157: Kevin Cann - All Things Sheiko
This episode guest is Kevin Cann from Precision Powerlifting Systems.
Kevin was previously on the show back on episode 26.
Precision Powerlifting Systems is based out of Boston, Mass. Head Coach Kevin Cann leads the raw powerlifting team through individualized Sheiko-style programming leading up to local, regional, and national level USA Powerlifting meets.
Coach Kevin has worked as a nutritionist and strength coach for several facilities in the greater Boston area including Harvard University and Total Performance Sports. He holds a master’s degree in kinesiology from A.T. Still University and a bachelor’s degree in health and wellness from Kaplan University.
Coach Kevin is a lifelong athlete – he was a soccer player at the collegiate level and competed for 10 years as a professional mixed martial artist. Currently, Coach Kevin competes in the 105kg class in USA Powerlifting as a raw open lifter and has been under the tutelage of former team Russia powerlifting coach and coaching legend, Boris Sheiko, since 2015.
On this episode Kevin and I discuss:
Whats new with Kevin
Who have Kevins biggest influences been over the past 3 years since we last spoke
Kevin shares with us an indepth overview of Boris Sheiko's Powerlifting system
Kevin talks about the importance of technique with the big three lifts within Sheiko's Systen
Kevin discusses how the Russian's believed that a continual refinement of intra and inter-muscular corrdination were key determinants to a lifters on-going developement and success
Kevin tells us why Sheiko rarely goes over 85% within most of his training cycles
Kevin outlines Sheiko's exercise classification model
Kevin outlines how he prescribes training volumes over a meso and mircocyle for his lifters
Kevin and I discuss the respect for dynamic systems theory and skill acquisition within Sheiko's system
Kevin outlines the set up of a microcycle within Sheiko's model
Kevin shares with us the biggest things he has learned from utilizing Sheiko's programming
Kevin shares with us his top resourses and advice
And if Kevin could invite 5 people to dinner, dead or alive, who would he invite and why?
This was an outstanding episode with Kevin guys, and I hope you really enjoy it.
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Notes:
Kevins Website - Precision Powerlifting Systems
Kevins Facebook Page
Sheiko Website
Wim Hoff Book
Show Sponsors:
Ultimate Performance Online Mentorship
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
ALTIS
ALTIS 360
ALTIS Foundation Course
National Sports Performance Association
Certified Program Design Specialist
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Cerfitied Weightlifting Performance Coach
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Athletes Acceleration
Complete Speed Training
Complete Speed Games
Complete Jumps Training
Complete Olympic Lifting
Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete
Complete Core
Complete Sports Conditioning
Complete Sports Nutrition
Complete Program Design
Sports Camp Empire
Patreon
Help support the podcast by becoming a Patreon to the show here - Patreon

Jan 31, 2018 • 2h 23min
Episode 156: James Smith - The Importance of Grammar and Communication
This episode, performance consultant James Smith from Global Sport Concepts is back on with me for his monthly interview on the ATSW podcast.
On this episode James discusses the importance of grammar and communication within the govering dynamics of coaching.
As always this was another excellent episode with James.
Enjoy my friends.
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Notes:
You can connect with James for consulting services here.
James' outstanding books can be found here also.
James Website
James Twitter
Show Sponsors:
Ultimate Performance Online Mentorship
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
ALTIS
ALTIS 360
ALTIS Foundation Course
National Sports Performance Association
Certified Program Design Specialist
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Cerfitied Weightlifting Performance Coach
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Athletes Acceleration
Complete Speed Training
Complete Speed Games
Complete Jumps Training
Complete Olympic Lifting
Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete
Complete Core
Complete Sports Conditioning
Complete Sports Nutrition
Complete Program Design
Sports Camp Empire
Patreon
Help support the podcast by becoming a Patreon to the show here - Patreon

Jan 29, 2018 • 1h 51min
Episode 155: Devan McConnell - Physical Preparation and Sport Science for Elite Ice Hockey Performance
This episodes guest is Devan McConnell.
Devan McConnell is the Director of Sports Performance at UMass Lowell. At Lowell, Coach McConnell is directly responsible for all aspects of performance enhancement for the hockey team, including speed, strength, power, nutrition, and recovery.
Prior to his time at UMass Lowell, Devan was a Sports Performance Coach at Stanford University. At Stanford, he oversaw the development of the Men's and Women's Volleyball programs, as well as the Women's Basketball team.
On this episode Devan and discuss:
Devans background
Devans influences
Devan describes how Lowell have become one of the most most competitive teams in the Eastern Conference
What are the good and not so good things that Devan currently see's with the physical preparation profession, and what solutions would he offer for the not so good things he is seeing
Devan shares with us his Training Philosophy
Devan lays out his Training System at Lowell
Devan discusses how tactical periodization shapes his programming
Devan gives us an indepth insight into his athletic profiling system
Devan and I discuss jump profiling and RSI, and how RSI interpretation differs from on-ice athletes vs field, court, and track athletes. This is due to the unique ground reactions forces experienced in ice skating
From this Devan speaks about how this information shapes the explosive jumping and plyometric methods his uses within his programs for his ice hockey players
Devan shares the monitoring system he utilizes with his athletes
Devan shares with us his biggest lessons he has learned so far in his career and life
Devan and I discuss if non-contact injuries can really be prevented or just reduced
Devan shares his top resources
Devan gives us his top advice to all the listeners
And if Devan could invite 5 people to dinner, dead or alive, who would he invite and why?
This was an outstanding episode with Devan guys, and I hope you really enjoy it.
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Notes:
Devan's Facebook
Devan's Twitter
Devan's Email: dmcconnell29@gmail.com
Show Sponsors:
Ultimate Performance Online Mentorship
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
ALTIS
ALTIS 360
ALTIS Foundation Course
National Sports Performance Association
Certified Program Design Specialist
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Cerfitied Weightlifting Performance Coach
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Athletes Acceleration
Complete Speed Training
Complete Speed Games
Complete Jumps Training
Complete Olympic Lifting
Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete
Complete Core
Complete Sports Conditioning
Complete Sports Nutrition
Complete Program Design
Sports Camp Empire
Patreon
Help support the podcast by becoming a Patreon to the show here - Patreon

Jan 27, 2018 • 2h 9min
Episode 154: Pat Davidson - MASS 2 - Judgement Day - Part 1
He's BACK!!!! Fuck YES!!!!
My main Man Pat Davidson is back on the show to discuss everything about his epic ebook MASS 2.
This is only Part 1 of a number of episodes that Pat and I will be dedicating to MASS 2.
On this episode Pat and I discuss:
Whats new with Pat
We discuss creativity
How MASS 2 came to be?
Pat and I discuss the gift of the "Addict Brain" and dopamine
Pat shares with us the 3 movies that inspired the conception of MASS 2
Pat shares with us how Mike Boyle, Val Nsedkin, Roman Fomin, Charlie Francis and Cal Dietz greatly influence the design of MASS 2
Pat and I discuss the hormone hypothesis of hypertrophy, and how it would seem that hormones are not as critical to the overall mucsle growth process as was once believed
We discuss the microcycle set up utilized with MASS 2 which is a 4 day/ week set up that incorporates a 2 or 1.5 developmental days, a stimulution day, and an alactic-aerobic day
Pat discusses the importance of recovery days for the upregulation of parasympathetic activity within MASS 2. Here we discuss how important social support is, and the work of Stephen Porges and his Polyvagul Theory
We discuss how an excessive parasympathetic state can be detrimental to health and performance
We discuss the molecular mechanism of protein synthessis involved in muscle mass accredition
This was an outstanding episode with my brother from another mother and I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did!
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Notes:
MASS 2
Pat's Facebook
Show Sponsors:
Ultimate Performance Online Mentorship
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
ALTIS
ALTIS 360
ALTIS Foundation Course
National Sports Performance Association
Certified Program Design Specialist
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Cerfitied Weightlifting Performance Coach
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Athletes Acceleration
Complete Speed Training
Complete Speed Games
Complete Jumps Training
Complete Olympic Lifting
Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete
Complete Core
Complete Sports Conditioning
Complete Sports Nutrition
Complete Program Design
Sports Camp Empire
Patreon
Help support the podcast by becoming a Patreon to the show here - Patreon

Jan 25, 2018 • 1h 17min
Episode 153: Phil Wagner - Sparta Science
This episodes guest is Phil Wagner of Sparta Science.
Phil spent 8 years as a strength & conditioning coach at University of California Berkeley and University of California Los Angeles, including 3 National Championships, as well as a performance coach for the Canterbury Crusaders and the New South Wales Waratahs (professional rugby teams in New Zealand and Australia). Following his coaching career, he graduated medical school as a physician from University of Southern California, focused on studying biomechanics at their School of Physical Therapy’s Biokinesiology Lab. Dr. Wagner founded Sparta Performance Science in the Silicon Valley as a facility to directly measure and enhance performance alongside athlete resilience to injury. This business evolved to include a larger technology business, Sparta Software Corporation (est. 2012), which provides an athlete data management platform to establish evidence based practices within sports organizations.
On this episode Phil and I discuss
Phil's background
How big is the sparta team currently
Phil discusses how he has gotten the entire team at Sparta to share the companies core values and vision
Why Phil decided to go back to Medical School
Phils's influences
What are the good and not so good things that Phil currently see's with the physical preparation profession, and what solutions would he offer for the not so good things he is seeing
Phil talks about the importance of how we preceive feedback and how we should learn the difference between disagree vs dislike
Phil discusses why he feels its important for coaches to develop empathy as this can help develop a greater degree of relateness with our athletes
Why did Phil call the company Sparta
Phil discusses why its so important to approach data with an open and critical mind
Phil talks about how the squat, deadlift, and bench press had the highest co-relation with eccentric RFD
Phil and I discuss about confirmation bias' within science
Phil shares with us the testing protocols that they utilize at Sparta
Phil shares with us the training system utilized at Sparta
Phil discusses the partnership that Sparta has with many other elite organizations around the world
Phil discusses the future of Sparta
Phil shares with us the biggest lessons he has learned so far in his career and life
Phil shares his top resources
Phil gives us his top advice to all the listeners
And if Phil could invite 5 people to dinner, dead or alive, who would he invite and why?
This was an outstanding episode with Phil guys, and I hope you really enjoy it.
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Notes:
Sparta Science Twitter
Phil Wagner Twitter
Show Sponsors:
Ultimate Performance Online Mentorship
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
ALTIS
ALTIS 360
ALTIS Foundation Course
National Sports Performance Association
Certified Program Design Specialist
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Cerfitied Weightlifting Performance Coach
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Athletes Acceleration
Complete Speed Training
Complete Speed Games
Complete Jumps Training
Complete Olympic Lifting
Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete
Complete Core
Complete Sports Conditioning
Complete Sports Nutrition
Complete Program Design
Sports Camp Empire
Patreon
Help support the podcast by becoming a Patreon to the show here - Patreon

Jan 18, 2018 • 1h 22min
Episode 152: Nick Littlehales - All Things Sleep and Performance
This episodes guest is Nick Littlehales from sportsleepcoach.co.uk.
Nick is regarded as the leading elite sports sleep coach in world sport.
A leading industry expert with over 30 years experience in the world of sleep, sleeping habits, and product design and over 15 years dedicated to elite athletes and professional sport.
A former professional golfer, International Sales & Marketing Director of the Slumberland Group and Chairman of the UK Sleep Council, Nick has conducted many practical and clinical research projects into the varied sleeping habits adopted by the modern day sleeper and athlete. His unique and passionate techniques, products and proven approach are endorsed by leading professionals in world sport and business.
Nick is also the author of Sleep - The Myth of 8 Hours, The Power of Naps, and a New Plan to Recharge your Mind and Body.
On this episode Nick and I discuss:
Nicks background
Nicks influences
Nick and I discuss the first 5 of the 7 key steps to optimize sleep and restoration that he outlines in his book
Nick discusses why having a consisent wake time is an important daily anchor to possess
Nick discusses the importance of understanding what a circadian rhythm is
Nick discusses the importance of understanding your chronotype
Nick shares with us why it is more important to consider sleep in 90 minute cycles rather than hours
Nick talks about the importance of having a pre and post bed-time routine
Nick and I discuss about how the circardian rhythm that you were born into may potentially never leave your genetic make up
Nick tells us why he decided to use 90mins as his recommended cycle length
Nick talks about how the light blub changed our sleeping cycle from poly-phasic to mono phasic
Nick shares his thoughts on regulating sleeping patterns with the seasons
Nick shares his thoughts on using a day light lamp in the winter and other light regulation strategies
Nick tells us why that if "you don't snooze you will lose!", as he discusses why naps and multiple mini-mental breaks, (what Nick terms Controlled Recovery Periods [CRPs]), throughout the day are exellence strategies to enhance physical and mental performance
I ask Nick if he feels it is still a better strategy to get the majority of our sleep nocturnally
This was an outstanding episode with Nick guys, and I hope you really enjoy it.
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Notes:
Nick's Book - Sleep - The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps, and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and Mind
Nick 7 Key Steps to Optimize your sleep, recovery and restoration
1. Understand Circadian Rhythms
2. Get to know your Chronotypes
3. Think of Sleep in Cycles not Hours
4. Have a Pre and Post Bed-Time Routine
5. Utilize daily breaks and naps to maximize performance
6. Designing your ideal sleep kit
7. Designing your ideal sleep environment
Show Sponsors:
Ultimate Performance Online Mentorship
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
ALTIS
ALTIS 360
ALTIS Foundation Course
National Sports Performance Association
Certified Program Design Specialist
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Cerfitied Weightlifting Performance Coach
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Athletes Acceleration
Complete Speed Training
Complete Speed Games
Complete Jumps Training
Complete Olympic Lifting
Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete
Complete Core
Complete Sports Conditioning
Complete Sports Nutrition
Complete Program Design
Sports Camp Empire
Patreon
Help support the podcast by becoming a Patreon to the show here - Patreon

Jan 6, 2018 • 1h 25min
Episode 151: Fergus Connolly - Game Changer
This episodes guest is Fergus Connolly
Dr. Fergus Connolly has worked at the highest levels of Premier League soccer; international rugby; the NBA, NFL, NCAA, and elite military units . He is currently the Performance Director for Michigan Football, and his is also the author of a unique book, Game Changer, which was released in 2017.
On this episode Fergus and I discuss:
Fergus' background
Fergus' influences
What are the good and not so good things that Fergus currently see's with the physical preparation profession, and what solutions would he offer for the not so good things he is seeing
Fergus talks about why asking " the why" behind things is critical
Fergus and I discuss about the importance of understaning first principles when it comes to sports performance
Why an over reliance of the development of physical qualities at the expense of other key athletic traits is a flawed model
We discuss big data vs small data
Fergus discusses why all members of the sport performance staff should review the game together as a multi-disciplinary team
Fergus talks about why general "mental thoughness models" will not transfer to the specific mental skills that are needed to enhance sports performance
Why generalist's will inherit the world in sports performance
Fergus and I discuss Periodization schemes with sports performance and the importance of the weekly set up for athletic preparation
Fergus discusses the concept of synchronization within on-field/court performance in team based sports
Fergus discusses why controlling the factors that can be controlled is critical to allow the athlete to have a larger adaptative reserve to adapt to chaos of sport and to enhance the learning process
Fergus gives us his top advice and resources to all the listeners
And if Fergus could invite 5 people to dinner, dead or alive, who would he invite and why?
This was an outstanding episode with Fergus guys, and I hope you really enjoy it.
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Notes:
Game Changer The Book
Fergus' Podcast Interviews:
Strengthcoach Podcast
Resilient Performance Podcast
Rdella Podcast
Fergus' Twitter Handle
Show Sponsors:
Ultimate Performance Online Mentorship
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
ALTIS
ALTIS 360
ALTIS Foundation Course
National Sports Performance Association
Certified Program Design Specialist
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Cerfitied Weightlifting Performance Coach
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Athletes Acceleration
Complete Speed Training
Complete Speed Games
Complete Jumps Training
Complete Olympic Lifting
Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete
Complete Core
Complete Sports Conditioning
Complete Sports Nutrition
Complete Program Design
Sports Camp Empire
Patreon
Help support the podcast by becoming a Patreon to the show here - Patreon

Dec 14, 2017 • 1h 53min
Episode 150: James Smith - Dynamic Correspondence and Training Transfer
This episode we have James Smith from Global Sport Concepts back on with me for his monthly interview on the ATSW podcast.
On this episode James discusses utilizing the concept of dynamic correspondence to potentially enhance training transfer.
As always this was another monster episode with James.
Enjoy my friends.
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Notes:
You can connect with James for consulting services here.
James' outstanding books can be found here also.
Show Sponsors:
Ultimate Performance Online Mentorship
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
ALTIS
ALTIS 360
ALTIS Foundation Course
National Sports Performance Association
Certified Program Design Specialist
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Cerfitied Weightlifting Performance Coach
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Athletes Acceleration
Complete Speed Training
Complete Speed Games
Complete Jumps Training
Complete Olympic Lifting
Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete
Complete Core
Complete Sports Conditioning
Complete Sports Nutrition
Complete Program Design
Sports Camp Empire
Patreon
Help support the podcast by becoming a Patreon to the show here - Patreon

Dec 12, 2017 • 1h 33min
Episode 149: Nick Shaw - Renaissance Periodization
This episodes guest is Nick Shaw from Renaissance Periodization.
Nick is the Founder and CEO of Renaissance Periodization, a training and diet services company for world-class athletes. Nick is also a competitive powerlifter and bodybuilder and has had the opportunity to work with numerous national level physique athletes as well as world class strength athletes. Nick holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan in Sport Management. Nick currently resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife and two kids.
On this episode Nick and I discuss:
Nicks background
Why Nick decided to start RP
Who are RP's main clientele
Nick shares with us some of the challanges of starting and running a business
Nick shares with us his biggest influences
Nick discusses the nutritional hierachies that RP has developed for both body composition and health goals and the why behind the differences between both hierarchies
Nick gives us his thoughts on Female Fat Loss
Nick and I discuss muscle gaining rates - what is realistic?
Nick and I discuss how many extra calories you really need to eat to gain weight
Nick talks about how important it is to make sure you have balance between work, training, and family in the marco scheme
Nick tells us about the biggest lessons he has learned so far in his career
Nick gives us his top advice and resources
And if Nick could invite 5 people to dinner, dead or alive, who would he invite and why?
This was an outstanding episode with Nick guys, and I hope you really enjoy it.
Stay Strong,
RB
Show Sponsors:
To get INSTANT ACCESS to almost 20 hours of World Class online video Strength and Conditioning Information go to upmentorship.com
Patreon