PODCAST EPISODES

18SP 032: Brad Skupaka | Golf Lessons from a Long Drive Competitor

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Brad Skupaka shares his expertise in as a Long Drive Competitor and Golf Instructor. Brad gives us an in inside look at the world of Long Drive and what it takes to make it to the World Finals. Brad Skupaka is not your typical golf instructor. As his colleagues would say, he is a “beast” that can hit a ball a mile! His unique combination of being both a golf instructor and a long drive competitor gives him the tools to not only destroy a ball, but also use that experience in his teaching to make his students better players all around. You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below: Brad Skupaka’s Background Director of Instruction at GolfTec in Philadelphia Graduated from Coastal Carolina Over 8000 lessons taught. TPI Level 3 Golf Instructor Stack and Tilt Network Instructor Started in 2008 with the Long Drive Competitions Has qualified for World Long Drive Championship 3 times Highlights from this Episode Brad lays out the format of the World Long Drive Competition from local Qualifiers to the Live televised Finals He talks about his experiences making it to the Finals (128 Man Double Elimination) What are the differences mentally and physically when standing on the tee box for the long drive compared to a regular round of golf? Brad discusses the slight differences in his technique, stance, and swing when in competition vs his regular tee ball. We discuss the current addiction to speed in the world of golf and whether it is a good or bad thing for the average golfer. Brad goes through the specs of his equipment for his long drive competitions, which all have to conform to USGA Standards. Swing speeds typically in the mid 130’s Longest drive in competition: 432 yards Brad discusses his fitness program working with Michael Manavian and Ali Gilbert “You have to get Stronger to get Faster” Brad Skupaka Brads current routine includes big lifts, some anti rotation exercises, a circuit training day, and some overspeed training with the Super Speed Golf clubs. We discuss the

April 2, 2015 No Comments

18SP 031: Lindsay Becker | How to Prevent Over-Use Injuries for the Golfer

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Lindsay Becker shares her expertise in the world of golf performance and gives us an inside look at her experiences working as a physical therapist with PGA tour players, college golfers and juniors. Lindsay Becker is an expert in the realm of therapeutic and functional rehab as well as golf performance. Her work with tour players like Jason Day, the golf teams at Ohio State, and her junior program at Muirfield Village Golf club put Lindsay in a class of elite professionals in the golf fitness performance field. She is also an educator working with TPI and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) helping other fitness and medical professionals become better clinicians to improve the world of golf You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below: Lindsay’s Background Was the head of Golf Performance at Ohio State University (OSU) Recently started her own company Buckeye Performance Golf Still works with the OSU Golf Teams TPI Medical 2 & Junior 2 certified Works with Muirfield Village Golf Club junior program and ladies golf Presents with TPI Medical and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Grew up playing golf but did not play competitively in high school or college Worked in Gainsville Florida as a PT and started a TPI program there. Has worked a lot with Jason Day, as well as many mini tour players Highlights from this Episode We discuss the correlation between individuals that played a lot of other sports and golf performance (like Jason Day) Overuse injuries How going back to your fundamentals can prevent many overuse injuries (eg. posture, stance, grip) The importance of balance in your swing, your workouts, and practice. Common postural faults and injuries related to each Neutral Posture C-Posture S-Posture What is the SFMA and why is it such a useful tool in helping you move better and figure out your pain? The cause of your pain is often not the same as the location of your pain How do you find the balance between taking time to fix your functional issues/injuries and

March 26, 2015 No Comments

18SP 030: Don Saladino | Training the Golfer for Function & Power

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Don Saladino shares his expertise in the world of Strength/Conditioning/Golf Fitness. He gives us an in inside look at his training methods, his facility (Drive 495) and what YOU should be doing to ramp up your function and power both in the gym and on the course. Don works with golfers, other professional athletes, celebrities, Wall Street professionals, you name it. No matter what the profession or sport, everyone needs to “perform” in one way or another. Don is an expert in bringing out the best in each individuals performance and enlightens us with some very valuable information about “golf specific” workouts. You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below: Don Saladino’s Background Don owns and operates Drive 495 in New York. Started Drive 495 with his brother 9 years ago His younger brother was a golfer and he decided to help his brother gain some size, speed and distance. Started out as a golf fitness facility and has just grown from there. Don has worked with a number of celebrities in prep for movies. Highlights from this Episode Don shares the story of Drive 495’s inception Don give a brief insight in his experience with celebrities and how he has been extremely impressed with their dedication to their fitness programs We discuss the terms “Golf Specific” and “Golf-ish” How can “golf specific” exercises make you SLOWER? Sometimes you have to take some of the BAD things out of your daily routine before you can expect your fitness program to be productive Don gives some tips for the busy work professional to get some fitness in during those long days “Sitting is the ENEMY“ How does the amateur golfer build power and speed in the gym? What is it that you struggle with? Overdoing it. What is the most useless exercise you’ve seen “golfers” doing in the gym? Anything that involves standing on a Swiss Ball or bosu ball (this leads into a secondary discussion about Crossfit) CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? CaddyShack What’s Coming in 2015? Lots of great business opportunities coming

March 19, 2015 No Comments

18SP 029: Adam Young | The Practice Manual

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Adam Young shares his expertise in the world of golf instruction and gives us in inside look at his new book “The Practice Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Golfers.” Adam Young has taken his experience from years of teaching golfers of all levels and compiled the ultimate guide for golfers. In his book “The Practice Manual,” Adam goes deeper into the concepts of motor learning and practicing to get the most out of your game. As he describes in this interview, you can have all the dedication in the world to get better, but if your execution of practice is flawed, progress likely will not be made. You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below: Adam’s Background Golf Instructor who has worked with golfers of the highest and lowest levels Leadbetter trained teaching professional Originally form the UK, currently teaching golf in Spain Author and blogger. His website is www.AdamYoungGolf.com Taught at the Cranfield Academy Highlights from this Episode Technique vs Skill and how a golfer with poor technique may still have the skill to crush a ball 300+ yards Adam explains why this is not a “what” to learn book, but a “how” to learn book A golfer may be highly dedicated, but the execution of their learning may prevent them from reaching their goals Utilizing goal setting to break down your big performance goals How progressive resistance drills can work in your golf practice much like your fitness routine What is Differential vs Variable practice and can intentionally hitting bad shots make you learn faster? What the heck is the Uncontrolled Manifold Hypothesis of Movement? The fork in the mouth example. Forward Modelling, like unknowingly adjusting your arms position as you fill a water glass Procedural Knowledge (what you are doing) vs Declarative Knowledge (what you know about what you are doing) Adam gives some fundamentals of the Ball Flight Laws The misconception of “perfect practice makes perfect” Craziest Golf Gadget You’ve Used 72 degree wedge Recommended Book Every Shot Counts by Mark Broadie Most Frustrating Golf Moment

March 12, 2015 No Comments

18SP 028: Justin Tupper | The Revolution of Golf (Online)

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Justin Tupper of Revolution Golf shares his expertise in the world of online golf improvement and gives us in inside look at how the internet is changing the way we learn the game of golf. Justin Tupper is the CEO and Co-Founder of Revolution Golf, one of, if not THE largest online resource for golfers with content covering golf instruction, club fitting, fitness, mental game and more! Justin’s passion for golf and his background in media and video were the backbone of his vision of Revolution Golf. Starting with a simple golf blog in 2008, his vision is now a reality with over 2 million members. Justin’s Background Passionate golfer from the age of 10 years old Grew up in Buffort South Carolina Went to the University of South Carolina Current Handicap of (-2) Media and film major in college Started a simple golf blog in 2008 and wanted to bring golf instruction to people that couldn’t afford or have access to traditional teaching Started learning more about internet marketing and met his current business partner Dean Strickler Started selling golf information in 2009 Moved to NYC to create a “golf media’ company Currently has 2 million subscribers and has grown from a 2 person company to 60 employees Highlights from this Episode Justin explains the statement “Better golf is achieved through simple improvements across all aspects of the game” Just a few of the people that Justin has a been able to spend time with since beginning the website: Gary Player, Nick Faldo, Dr. Gio Valiante, Martin Chuck, etc. Justin and I discuss how to control and prevent “Information Overload“ What content is most popular on Revolution Golf? Take a guess. The push of fitness in the golf world Justin discusses conversations he had with Mark Broadie about his book “Every Shot Counts” Justin explains how he works out when working with Don Saladino We discuss the importance of figuring out your imbalances and how the golf game and life can screw up your body, which needs to be addressed Speed. How He went from swinging

March 5, 2015 No Comments

18SP 027: Nick Chertock | An Accountant’s Quest For Golf Progress

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Nick Chertock, tax accountant extraordinaire shares his real world experiences and relationships in the golf world and gives us in inside look at the conversations that go on behind the scenes with the worlds best coaches, trainers, and teaching instructors. Nick, like most of us, is a guy with a vision of a better golf game. But instead of just reading books and watching videos, Nick has decided to take his journey quite a bit further than the average Joe by seeking out connections and answers from the biggest names in golf instruction. In doing this he has opened up conversations amongst some of the best in the world and has become what I like to call, “the most well-connected man in the world of golf” Nick Chertock’s Background A Tax Accountant in Alameda, CA Nick’s Specs: White guy, late 30’s, married, 3 kids, right-handed, owns a dog, politically moderate, basically the most perfect fit for your STEREOTYPICAL Golfer Got hooked on the world of fitness and golf at the age of 16 Read every golf and fitness book/magazine he could get his hands on Was always looking to spark conversations and learn more about these topics Decided to start pursuing the people that were the best in these areas to answer his questions With the rise of social media, he saw a platform to start bigger conversations which has developed into several facebook groups and an Open Forum at the PGA Show Highlights from this Episode Nick discusses some of the things he has learned from the different groups that he has formed, including Golf Fitness Professionals, Biomechanists, and Golf Teaching Pros. Talks about some of the different views that have sparked debate amongst these populations, including some of the concepts discussed by past guests on the 18STRONG podcast such as Jason Glass Michael Manavian Nick goes into detail about the Open Forum he co-hosted in Orlando with over 300 of the worlds best golf instructors. (His co-hosts were Chris Como and Mike Michaelides) He explains the history of the Open Forum and how

February 26, 2015 No Comments

18SP 026: Lance Gill | Prepare Like a Professional

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Lance Gill shares his expertise in the world of golf performance and gives us in inside look at how you can prepare like a professional. Lance Gill has worked with golfers and professionals of all levels, all over the world. As one of the faces of the Titleist Performance Institute and the founder of Lance Gill Performance, he provides us with some guidance on ways to take your preparation from the little league to the PGA level. Lance is one of my favorite people in the golf and fitness world. He was one of the 1st individuals to introduce me to this incredible profession. Lance Gill’s Background Co-Director of the Titleist Performance Institute Advisory Board President and CEO of Lance Gill Performance Has worked with over 10,000 professionals in the golf fitness, teaching, and medical profession CO-Star of the Glass and Gill Show (The Coach Glass Podcast) Comes from a family of sports medicine professionals Got his masters at the University of Pittsburgh Was able to work under Greg Norman’s PT and Trainer Pete Draovich Began working wit Greg Rose and eventually TPI Highlights from this Episode Lance tells us the story of his first meeting with Dr. Greg Rose and how he became a part of TPI We discuss the change in mentality and philosophy of the golfers regarding fitness over the past 20 years Lance tells us about his most recent business venture with Lance Gill Performance and what his roles were and still are with TPI. Lance describes the golf experiences that he is able to provide to his clients at The Grand Golf Club Lance gives us a “fitness” difference between the pros and amateurs that you probably haven’t heard before. We go in depth on the way the pros practice and how you can implement these techniques into your own practice session. We throw out a 20 ball challenge for your next practice session. The positive, neutral, and negative mindset, and how to use these to self correct your swing. How big is your Negative Library? Taking control of you

February 19, 2015 No Comments

18SP 025: Nick Clearwater and Jim Keen | Golf Fitness Meets Technology

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Nick Clearwater and Jim Keen share their expertise in the world of golf instruction and fitness technology. They give us an inside look at some fancy new strength training equipment and how “Adaptive Resistance Exercise” just might change how many golfers train and practice. Nick is a teaching instructor for several PGA, LPGA, and Champions Tour players. As if that’s not enough, Nick is also in charge of the Quality of Instruction for the GolfTec facilities all across the nation, which includes over 650 teaching professionals. Jim Keen is the Director of Sales for a company named Adaptive Resistance Exercise which manufactures a brand new type of fitness/strength training equipment. But this is not just another bench or squat rack. The technology of these pieces just may change the game in the strength training world. The two are working very closely to bring these machines and a more efficient training method to the golfer by incorporating them into the GolfTec model. Their Background Nick Clearwater Works for GolfTec Teaches on the PGA Tour, LPGA, and Champions Tour Jim Keen Started as a musician Opened Keen’s Brick Fit House (in his living room) with on of the initial versions of the ARX machines. Is now the Director of Sales for ARX (Adaptive Resistance Exercises) Highlights of today’s episode: What is ARX? What is GolfTec? and what do they do? GolfTec stands for: Teaching Education Conditioning How does GolfTec manage the quality of instructors at the 180 facilities across the nation? Is it possible for a golfer to get a real strength training session in just 10-20 minutes? How does the ARX system fit into the practice and training session of the golfer? How does the machine work and why is this different? Safer by adjusting resistance to avoid compenations Adapts to your strength changes throughout your motion Changing of resistance from eccentric motions and concentric motions The “Magical Barbell” Training the bigger stronger movements in a very efficient way The machine takes all of the guess work out of your training protocol (ie weights, tempos,

February 12, 2015 No Comments

18SP 024: Max Prokopy | Fixing the Hardware and Software of Your Swing

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Max Prokopy of the University of Virginia SPEED Clinic shares his expertise in the world of biomechanics and gives us in inside look at 3D analysis of the golf swing. Max does not just analyze the swing to measure data points on a graph. He then takes that information to devise ways to improve the sequencing and forces that a golfer creates to make the body more efficient and less restricted. The result? A golf swing that is less restricted by compensations and a sequence of motion that is much more instinctive than forced by conscious thought. Max’s Background Has always been passionate about athletics and science B.S in Biochemistry from Florida State Masters in Exercise Physiology from UVA Currently working on his PhD in Nutrition Former director of Strength and Conditioning at Amherst College and Clarkson University Worked with the Anaheim Ducks and LA Kings as a guest Strength and Conditioning coach Topics Discussed in Today’s Episode What does the term “Biomechanics” actually mean and how does it relate to you the golfer The athletic sequence is important, but Max explains why we also need to know what the golfer is thinking about during his swing/round to make real changes What does it look like when a golfer comes in for 3D analysis? There are 2 main things that a golfer needs to concentrate on: Efficiently delivering momentum through the golf ball to the target Concentrating on the right things in the round Fixing your hardware and software so your brain can act instinctively Why all professionals have a team of professionals that they work with and why this is imperative The importance of the thoracic spine and how a restrictive thoracic region can cause injuries all over the place. The thoracic spines’ role in visual targeting. Max eloquently explains the difference between kinematics and kinetics using beer and bowling balls! Max gives some resources where you can go to find some exercises and drills for cleaning up some of your limitations. 3 things all good golf swings have: separating the hips and torso in

February 5, 2015 No Comments

18SP 023: T.E. Frances | The Science of Designing Your Own Workout Program

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as T.E Frances shares his expertise in the world of Strength and Conditioning and gives us in inside look at designing a great workout program. T.E. Frances (while that is not really his name) is a real life “scientist” in the world of strength training. He has worked with athletes of the highest caliber in just about every sport, including many high profile players that you would know if we were to share their names. In this episode, T.E. is going to give you a “masters class” on the basics of designing a workout program and why it is so important to know what it is you are training for before just jumping in. *To understand the “Heisenberg” reference, you’ll just have to listen to the episode below! Highlights from this Episode: (note: some of the details that we promise in the episode are being compiled, we’ll post those up as soon as we get them) There is no such thing as a “better golf workout” You HAVE to know your goal before designing a program or you WILL be disappointed with your results Your current and previous training level are a strong factor in what is a realistic expectation in your workout. Training protocols are different depending on the goal: Fat loss Bulk (hypertrophy) Strength Power Speed Program Design 101 T.E. goes into very detailed, yet simple to understand explanations of what you need for your different goals. (More details to come . . .) Recommended Books Get Buffed! Ian King’s Guide to Getting Bigger, Stronger, and Leaner– by Ian King Poliquin Principles – by Charles Poliquin Last Piece of Advice None! Where to Find T.E. Unknown If you have questions for T.E., post them in the comments below, or send a tweet to @18STRONG_ with the hashtag #TEFrances (or just click on the hashtag to tweet!)

January 29, 2015 No Comments