
The Adaptable Athlete Podcast
The Adaptable Athlete Podcast is a podcast for coaches and practitioners who want to learn more about modern approached to sport movement and skill acquisition; and who ultimately, want to help to their athletes become more adaptable. Host, Javi Miller-Estrada engages in discussions with some of the absolute best sport coaches, trainers, and practitioners in the world. Coaches who are truly pushing the industry forward.
Latest episodes

23 snips
Jan 10, 2023 • 57min
Learning To Optimize Movement w/ Rob Gray
Send us a textFor today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Rob Gray (@ShakeyWaits)!!Rob is an associate professor of human systems engineering at Arizona state University and is the host of the wildly popular podcast The Perception and Action Podcast. Rob also appeared on this podcast back in Episode 14!Rob is also an accomplished researcher in the field of movement sciences and Recently released a book called "Learning How to Optimize Movement: Harnessing the Power of the Athlete-Evnrionment Relationship" .This book is a follow up to his very popular first book, "How We Learned to Move: A Revolution in the Way We coach & Practice Sports Skills" , which has spread throughout the community and it now part of our training curriculum over at Ignite.In addition to the book, Rob and I discuss:How to use varied training environments to better prepare your athletesWhat the real "secret sauce" of coaching is The dangers of having athletes attune to non specifying information How coaches can instantly "Upgrade" their practices 'What the future holds for the sport movement community and of course much more!...If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@igniteperformance.netEpisode Resources:Rob's Book Rob's Podcast website Rob's Twitter Rob's Instagram Episode 14 w/ Rob Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

4 snips
Jan 4, 2023 • 42min
Going All In : Making The Switch to Ecological Dynamics w/ John Mayer
Send us a textFor today's episode, I'm joined by John Mayer for part 2 of our conversation! In this episode, John discusses the process of him switching to an ecological dynamics approach!...For part 1 of my conversation w/ John , click here. Unlike most people who take a gradual approach, John embraced these concepts rather quickly and implemented them into his program at Loyola Marymount Beach Volleyball. What's even more impressive is the program at LMU was successful! Not alot of people change when things are going well. Since John has implemented these changes, the program has risen to new heights.This was a really interesting and enlightening conversation w/ John. I think any coach will find plenty of takeaways from this episode!If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@igniteperformance.netEpisode Resources:Part of my conversation w/ John Coach Your Brains Out Podcast CYBO Twitter LMU Volleyball Website Episode 41 w/ Kasey Crider Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Dec 28, 2022 • 36min
Keeping Your Athletes Hungry & Embracing Competition w/ John Mayer
Send us a textFor today’s episode, my guest is John Mayer!John is the head coach at Loyola Marymount beach volleyball head coach and the co host of the Coach Your Brains Out Podcast. John has been the head coach for the last 7 years and has taken the program to new heights. In 2017, they finished 15-14. In 2019, they won their 1st conference title In 2020-2021, they finished 31-8 and winning yet another conference title John was also an accomplished player himself and made his AVP pro debut in 2003 and finsihed top 10 in all 6 events he entered in I was introduced to John by Kasey Crider….I was told about a guy who completely and rather suddenly switched to an ecological approach…Knew I had to talk to him This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series with Jon… I did Is this was b/c the conversation ended up segementing itself naturally 1st part we discuss everything from the real metric of success of coaching youth sports (it’s not wins and losses folks), to cultivating passion and enjoyment in your athletes through practice….John even demonstrates his curiosity and flips the script and starts asking me questions, which wasn’t scripted Part 2 we get more into John making the switch to ecological dynamics If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@igniteperformance.netEpisode Resources:Coach Your Brains Out Podcast CYBO Twitter LMU Volleyball Website Episode 41 w/ Kasey Crider Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

10 snips
Dec 13, 2022 • 57min
Embracing Doubt & Ditching Jiu Jitsu "Moves" w/ Greg Souders
Guest Greg Souders, a 3rd-degree black belt under Dave Jacobs, discusses his transition from fighter to coach after an injury. Topics include traditional vs. no-gi Jiu Jitsu training, teaching methods evolution, embracing imperfections, and the art of adaptability in Jiu Jitsu.

Nov 23, 2022 • 21min
3 Reasons to Reduce Task Complexity
Send us a textOn Today's show, I discuss 3 reasons to reduce task complexity! Today we take a deep dive into a concept that I feel is often misunderstood in the coaching world. Today, that's concept of reducing task or practice complexity. There seems to be this thought that practice has to either be a 10/10 and chaotic, or it has to be pre planned and look nothing like the game. Today's episode will tell you different. This episode discusses concepts such as scaling, constraint manipulation, and other concepts that are vital to practice design. Whether you are new to EcoD or a seasoned practitioner, I believe this episode highlights some important concepts for coaching!If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@igniteperformance.netEpisode Resources:My Blog Post w/ Emergence Episode 25 w/ Cal JonesEpisode 28: My Thoughts on the RTP processCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Nov 16, 2022 • 1h 6min
Shifting Culture and Valuing Exploration in Practice w/ Kasey Crider
Send us a textOn today's episode I'm joined by Kasey Crider!! (@coachKCvb)Kasey is a 2 time guest on the podcast , appearing way back in Episode 4!...Since then, Kasey is now in his 1st year as the head coach of UMBC Women's Volleyball, a DI program in Baltimore, Maryland. I thought this would be a unique opportunity to talk w/ Kasey, as he is in the middle of implementing his culture and his philosophies on practice design to a new program.As always, Kasey was honest and transparent, and this conversation goes places where few coaches are willing to go. This conversation has tons of takeaways for any coach who is trying to improve their craft!If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@igniteperformance.netEpisode Resources:Kasey's twitter Episode 4 Link UMBC VB Instagram UMBC VB Website Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Nov 2, 2022 • 1h 4min
"We Spar On Day One" : Learning How to Fight in a Representative Environment w/ Scott Sievewright
Send us a textFor today's episode, I'm joined by Scott Sievewright! (@mke_mma)Scott is the owner of Primal MMA & Fitness in Milwaukee Wisconsin and is also the host of the Primal MMA Coaching Podcast where he dives into various topics regarding combat sports and skill acquisitionAt Primal, their philosophy states:"Our clear vision is to create an exceptional learning environment for developing the body and mind through the practice of Mixed Martial Arts and Exercise"As you might have guessed it Scott is not your typical MMA coach and believes that students of all levels should face alive movement problems.I really enjoyed this convo w/ Scott. Encourage to check out his podcast and website where he has some really cool blogs, 2 of which that stand out to me are:Do Drillers make killers At Primal we Spar on Day 1If you wanna hear more from Scott, check him out at this years Sport Movement Skill Conference, where he will be presenting...I hope you enjoy the show!If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@igniteperformance.netEpisode Resources:Scott's Twitter Scott's Podcast Primal's Website Primal's IG Sport Movement Skill Conference 2022 Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Oct 19, 2022 • 1h 7min
The Truth About Supplements w/ Korey Van Wyk
Send us a textWelcome to the athlete blueprint podcast!....For todays episode, I’m joined by Korey Van Wyk (@KoreyVanWyk) Korey Van Wyk is an educator and sports performance coach who has spent the last decade of his career bridging the gap between science and practice. As a former professor of kinesiology and collegiate strength coach, he spent every day connecting the classroom and the weight room. Now as an acquisitions editor for Human Kinetics, he helps create world-class educational products for trainers and coaches. In this episode, Korey and I dive deep into the world of supplements. Unfortunately, the supplement industry is extremely unregulated and as a consumer it's difficult to know how to choose one that is safe and effective.After this episode you'll not only know why you should be careful about purchasing supplements , but you'll also have a GUIDE to help you do so. It should be noted that neither I, nor Korey are physicians so please consult a physician if you are considering trying a new supplement....I hope you enjoy the show!If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@igniteperformance.netEpisode Resources:Korey's Twitter Korey's Instagram Korey's Website Korey's LinkedInArticles Tainted Supplement Review DMAA Cause of Death in Soldiers Review of Tainted Supplements 2007-2021Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Oct 5, 2022 • 1h 4min
The Origins of the Sport Movement Skill Conference w/ Shawn Myszka
Send us a textWelcome to the Athlete Blueprint Podcast!!...For today's episode, I'm joined by Shawn Myszka!Shawn is the co director of education over at Emergence. Shawn is also a personal Performance Advisor and Movement Skill Acquisition coach for NFL players and has been doing so since 2008. During that time and up to this point, he has partnered with five NFL All Pro athletes and twelve Pro Bowl team members. Shawn is also a two time guest on this podcast. Way back in Episode 24 when he appeared alongside Tyler Yearby when we discussed their paper Applying an Ecological Approach to Practice Design in American Football. This particular conversation with Shawn really is all about storytelling . I was always curious to really what the origin story was of the Sport Movement Skill Conference. So for those of you who don't know what the Sport Movement Skill Conference is, it is really the keystone event for me when it comes to my education throughout the year. It really brings alongside theoreticians, practitioners, researchers, those who are practicing the science, and put some alongside those who are practicing the art of coaching, and really blended together unlike any other conference. We get into the origins of the SMSC and touch on the theme of this years conference. In addition to that, we really get into Sean's own origin story, where he, as always, is open, authentic, transparent, and shares some of his struggles in transitioning from an ecological approach. Obviously, Shawn was one of the early adopters of this approach and it wasn't smooth, it wasn't easy, and I was really grateful that he shared and opened up on some of those trials and tribulations for us here. I think this episode has a ton of practical applications for many coaches. We learn some ups and downs that not just Shawn experience, but all of us experience. The SMSC takes place November 4th and 5th. I'll link to the conference and the previous episode in the show note...Please enjoy!If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@igniteperformance.netEpisode Resources:Link to Sport Movement Skill Conference Emergence Website Shawn's twitter Episode 24 w/ Shawn and Tyler Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

6 snips
Sep 29, 2022 • 28min
Changing How We Define Skill
Send us a textWhat does it actually mean to be "skilled"? As more modern coaching research and practices are adopted, many are starting redefine what it TRULY means to be skillful in sport. Today I share clips from some of my amazing guests or are helping redefine what it means to be skillful . I will also offer my insight and takeaways which will hopefully help you on your coaching journey!Today's episode includes clips from previous guests:Rob GreyCal Jones Shawn Myszka Philip O'CallaghanI hope you enjoy the show!If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@igniteperformance.netEpisode Resources:Episode 14 (1st Clip) w/ Rob Grey Episode 25 (2nd Clip) w/ Cal Jones Episode 24 (3rd Clip) w/ Shawn Myszka Episode 22 (4th clip) w/ Philip O'CallaghanCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav