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Monarch Human Performance Podcast

Monarch Human Performance Podcast

By John Psyllas

The mission of this podcast is to interview leaders from a variety of performance disciplines including medicine, nutrition, psychology, wellness, physiology and strength and conditioning. Through this podcast we aim to provide an insight into how to systematically enhance performance at the individual and organizational level for tactical personnel including military, law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders.
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Annette Zapp (FireSQFitness): Mental Health in Fire Fighters.

Monarch Human Performance PodcastOct 16, 2020

00:00
42:58
Kosta Telegadas (Solvere): Strength and conditioning within fighter pilots.

Kosta Telegadas (Solvere): Strength and conditioning within fighter pilots.

** The views expressed in this episode are those of Kosta Telegadas and do not represent those of the Department of Defence or its contractors**


Kosta Telegadas currently serves as a strength and conditioning coach for the United States Air Force fighter pilots working on the Optimizing Human Weapons Systems (OHWS) contract. Prior to his role in the tactical setting, Coach Telegadas got his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science from Longwood University and his Master’s of Exercise Physiology with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning from The University of Miami (FL). 

Telegadas has held several intern coaching roles at Longwood University, Liberty University & Virginia Commonwealth University. During his Master’s program, he served as the graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach for all Olympic sports at The University of Miami. After graduating with his Master’s Degree. Kosta worked for EXOS in Detroit, Michigan where he headed all coaching operations for youth, college, professional, general population & tactical athletes. 

Outside of work, Coach Telegadas runs Telegadas Performance Training for his online clients, presents educational curriculums for O2x Human Performance, writes articles for various blogs & leads S&C workshops for the Wounded Warrior Project.  In his spare time, Kosta competes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, goes to Washington DC for sporting events & loves to hang out with his dog Lilly.


In this episode Kosta talks about:


  • What his day-to-day role looks like.


  • How he is addressing the demands placed on fighter pilots from an S&C perspective.


  • How he is tracking performance within the squadron.



Resources discussed:


The Tier System by Joe Kenn

Triphasic Tactical Manual by Cal Dietz

Exos Education

Teambuildr Blog

Simplifaster Blog


You can follow Kosta on social media via his Instagram page or reach out to him directly via email at coachkostatelegadas@gmail.com


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jan 06, 202339:39
Dr Matt Stainer (Griffith University): Eye tracking and performance.
Aug 05, 202245:31
Dr Shawn Eagle (University of Pittsburgh): Traumatic Brain Injury

Dr Shawn Eagle (University of Pittsburgh): Traumatic Brain Injury

Jul 22, 202242:36
Kevin Malahy (CFMWS): Support and reconditioning within Canadian forces.
May 13, 202259:52
Dr Mike Simpson (Greybeard Performance): Honed - finding your edge over 40.
Apr 29, 202201:23:13
Mark White (S.A.R Human Performance): Addressing operational gaps in organisations.

Mark White (S.A.R Human Performance): Addressing operational gaps in organisations.

** The views expressed in this episode are those of Mark White and do not represent those of the Department of Defence or USAF**


Mark White currently provides subject matter expertise in support of human performance topics related to respiratory exercise physiology, aerospace and operational physiology and military operational performance.  Pertinent positions comprise of a Human Performance Scientific, Engineering and Technical Advisory supporting Office of Naval Research’s, Expeditionary Maneuvers’ Warrior Resilience program, as the Human Performance Research Manager for Head Quarter’s Air Force Special Operations Command under the Command Surgeon’s office, and a Research Respiratory Physiologist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s, 711th Human Performance Wing Directorate, School of Aerospace Medicine’s (USAFSAM), Aeromedical Research Branch.  In addition, he served honorably in U.S. Air Force as an Aerospace & Operational Physiologist (A&OP) at Brooks City-Base (a.k.a. Brooks AFB, TX) at USAFSAM as Chief, A&OP Operations at the A&OP Training Unit and then as Officer in Charge, Research Operations for the Operating Location – USAFSAM, Lackland AFB.  Academic achievements consist of earned B.S. and M.S. degrees with current progress towards the completion of a Ph.D. in Human & Sports Performance.  


Over a 20-year career, Mr. White’s professional background spans the spectrum from work-related physical ability testing, application of occupational physiology, and collegiate coursework curriculum and instructional development.  He holds current memberships within the following professional organizations; International Society for Mountain Medicine (ISMM), Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), and United States Weightlifting Association; with certifications as NSCA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) plus USAW’s Level 1 Sport Performance Coach (L1SP).  Mr. White’s strategic intent for career development is to continue his professional work regarding human performance in military operations with continued efforts to complete a doctorate degree.  Ultimately, Mark’s professional goal will culminate with the establishment of a laboratory that contributes research to the current body of knowledge in respiratory exercise physiology, environmental physiology, stress science, and occupational work physiology as it pertains to human performance; specifically, towards our U.S. Armed Forces “warfighters”.


In this episode Mark talks about:


  • How he is assisting organizations to address operational gaps.


  • Influencing SOP's in human development.


  • Preparing candidates for arduous pipelines.



Resources discussed:


Meditations Marcus Aurelius 

History of Exercise Physiology by Charles Tipton


You can follow Mark on Linkedin and via his website at S.A.R Human Performance


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Apr 15, 202201:01:21
Richard Sutherland (4D Peak Performance): Leadership in performance teams.
Apr 01, 202241:37
Dr Brian Schilling (UNLV): Tactical Research.
Dec 03, 202151:48
Sgt Major (Ret) Sebastian Lavoie (Raven Strategic Inc.): Mindset and adapting to conflict.

Sgt Major (Ret) Sebastian Lavoie (Raven Strategic Inc.): Mindset and adapting to conflict.

Nov 26, 202101:00:36
Dr Mark Abel (University of Kentucky): Firefighting Research

Dr Mark Abel (University of Kentucky): Firefighting Research

Mark Abel, Ph.D., CSCS*D, TSAC-F*D is an Associate Professor and Director of the First Responder Research Laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Abel conducts research to improve the safety, health, and occupational readiness of firefighters and law enforcement officers. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on tactical topics. He also teaches undergraduate courses in Strength and Conditioning and graduate courses in High Performance Coaching and Tactical Strength and Conditioning. He has served as a firefighter. He received the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Tactical Strength and Conditioning Practitioner of the Year Award and Senior Investigator Grant to conduct research on firefighters. He served as an inaugural member of the NSCA’s Tactical Strength and Conditioning – Facilitator (TSAC-F) Certification Exam Development Committee and the TSAC-Special Interest Group. He has served as a contributor and reviewer for the TSAC Report for 7 years. Dr. Abel also owns Tactical Fitness Institute, LLC which develops legally defensible physical ability standards for fire departments and law enforcement agencies. 


In this episode Mark talks about:


  • His journey from Firefighter, to coach to academic.


  • Perceived vs measured aerobic fitness levels and fire ground performance.


  • The influence of age on firefighter occupational performance.



Resources discussed:


Block periodization by Issurin

Periodization: theory and methodology of training by Bompa and Haff

Hard work by Sharkey and Davis



You can contact Mark via email at: mark.abel@uky.edu; tacticalfitnessinstitute@gmail.com; or you can follow him on social media via Linkedin.


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Nov 19, 202101:13:09
Dr Adam Potter and Dr David Looney (USARIEM): Physiological strain and the warfighter.

Dr Adam Potter and Dr David Looney (USARIEM): Physiological strain and the warfighter.

Dr. Potter is a Research Physiologist and Deputy Chief of the Biophysics and Biomedical Modeling Division (BBMD), at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM). Prior to working at USARIEM, he spent a number of years in clinical research (drug and device trials). He is U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He earned his bachelor of arts (BA) in psychology at Cambridge College, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science (MS) in Sports and Health Sciences at American Military University, and his doctor of philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical and Health Informatics (concentration in nanomedicine and clinical informatics) at Rutgers University. His research portfolio spans across the applied sciences, from thermal manikin testing, to the cutting-edge of product development (e.g., computer-based decision aids, wireless communications, and wearable sensors). His current scientific focuses include: 1) individualized mathematical modeling of thermoregulatory responses to clothing, environment, activities, with the inclusion of components for rest and recovery, 2) studies of metabolic costs over complex terrain, 3) application of mathematics in integrative physiology, and 4) innovative approaches to assessing human body composition. Dr. Potter has authored over 90 scientific publications (manuscripts, government reports) as well as over 100 research presentations, abstracts, and invited lectures. He serves on several editorial boards and is currently Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Sport and Human Performance (JSHP).


Dr. David P. Looney is a Research Physiologist in the Biophysics and Biomedical Modeling Division at the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM). Dr. Looney earned his BS in Nutritional Sciences at the University of New Hampshire before obtaining his MS and PhD in Exercise Science at the University of Connecticut. He has developed numerous predictive models for the Department of Defense including metabolic cost equations for the US Army Load Carriage Decision Aid (LCDA), formulae for determining body surface area of modern US Army personnel, as well as a novel core body temperature estimation method. He is also a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). His research interests include biomedical modeling, exercise physiology, tactical strength and conditioning, and human performance optimization. Dr. Looney has authored over 60 scientific articles as well as over 50 research presentations, abstracts, and invited lectures.


In this episode we chat about:


  • The current research of physiological strain and how this impacting the modern war fighter.


  • How this research is impacting equipment design.


  • How body composition impacts physiological strain. 



Resources discussed:


Google Scholar

ResearchGate

USARIEM


You can contact Email: adam.w.potter.civ@mail.mil

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adam-Potter

GoogleScholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3C-PxSwAAAAJ&hl=en



Email: david.p.looney4.civ@mail.mil

Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Looney-3


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Nov 12, 202101:00:09
Jeffrey Johnson (Austin Public Safety Wellness): A career of service.

Jeffrey Johnson (Austin Public Safety Wellness): A career of service.

Jeff Johnson is a retired Marine with over two decades of experience working with and training all manner of athletes and tactical personnel. He earned a BS in Health Promotion and Strength and Conditioning Coaching from the University of Texas at Austin and maintains several other fitness, performance, and business certifications. Jeff currently works as a Fitness Specialist for The Austin Public Safety Wellness Center where he continually works to create a comprehensive entry level physical training program for Austin Fire Department and Austin/Travis County EMS cadets. He is also working to improve the return to work process and believes the longer members are on a restricted duty status, the higher the risk they will have a negative experience that they will avoid in the future. Jeff hopes to create a more streamlined and holistic approach using an interdisciplinary team with the intentional inclusion of behavioural health professionals.

Serving others is a lifetime calling for Jeff, and he is grateful for any opportunity to do so.


In this episode Jeff talks about:


  • His career in the Marine Corp and transitioning to Austin FD.


  • The structure and the delivery of the wellness programme within Austin Public Safety and Wellness Centre.


  • How he sees the programme expanding.



Resources discussed:


National Fire Protection Association Manuals


International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Wellness Fitness Initiative Manual



You can reach out to Jeff directly via email at JeffreyWJohnson0405@gmail.com or Jeffrey.Johnson@AustinTexas.gov or follow him on Linkedin


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Nov 05, 202157:29
Captain (Ret) Luke Sinnott: Post Traumatic Growth.
Oct 29, 202101:18:16
Dr Chris Frankel (Beaverfit): Developing facilities for the human weapons system.

Dr Chris Frankel (Beaverfit): Developing facilities for the human weapons system.

Chris Frankel is head of performance at BeaverFit USA, the leaders in outdoor fitness solutions. Frankel is focused on building upon BeaverFit’s success in the military creating durable, effective outdoor training solutions, and to continue applying lessons from his career to optimize equipment design and performance training for commercial facilities and end users of all kinds. Frankel earned his doctorate in health, exercise, and sports science from the University of New Mexico and has developed and delivered evidence-based fitness education worldwide.


In this episode Chris talks about:


  • His journey through coaching, academia and education.


  • His role at BeaverFit USA.


  • Creating a learning environment in coaching.


Resources discussed:


Until the end of time by Brian Greene

Thinking fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman

The signal and the noise by Nate Silver


You can check out BeaverFit USA by visiting their Website: https://www.beaverfitusa.com or on social media at:


LinkedIn: Dr. Chris Frankel+ BeaverFit North America

Twitter: @BeaverFitUSA+

Instagram: @BeaverFitUSA

Facebook: @BeaverFitUSA

YouTube: BeaverFit USA


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Oct 22, 202146:40
Dr Phil Wagner (Sparta Science): Movement diagnostic software.

Dr Phil Wagner (Sparta Science): Movement diagnostic software.

Dr. Phil Wagner is the Founder and CEO of Sparta Science. After receiving his medical degree from USC, Phil was frustrated by the lack of evidence-based approaches to performance and injury prevention within Sports, the Military, and Occupational Health. It was this lack of evidence-based practices that inspired him to create Sparta Science. #MovementDoctor

Sparta Science is the leader in the application of movement diagnostic software. Using Force Plate Machine Learning™ (FPML™), the Sparta System identifies how you move (your Movement Signature) and provides individualized, evidence-based plans to help you move better at work, at play, on duty.


In this episode Phil talks about:


  • His journey from strength and conditioning to medicine.


  • The mission of Sparta Science.


  • How movement data is helping to inform injury risk and performance in the tactical environment.


Resources discussed:


Atomic Habits by James Clear


You can find out more about Sparta Science by checking out their Website: https://spartascience.com or on social media at:


Facebook: @spartascience

Instagram: @spartascience

Twitter: @DrPhilWagner + @SpartaScience

LinkedIn: Dr. Phil Wagner + Sparta Science


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Oct 15, 202136:23
Dr Sandy MacQuarrie (Griffith University): Paramedic Wellness.

Dr Sandy MacQuarrie (Griffith University): Paramedic Wellness.

Alex (Sandy) MacQuarrie is a transplanted Canadian trained to the level of Critical Care Paramedic (flight). He has worked in paramedicine since 1993 in urban, rural, and remote environments including helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and senior management positions. He has a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Business Administration and recently completed a PhD. Currently, he is Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. A passion for exploring paramedic wellness led him to conduct doctoral research in cooperation with New South Wales Ambulance Service in a truly unique collaboration. He also has over 20 years as a firefighter in suburban and rural settings in three Canadian provinces and one Australian state. Current research interests include the physiological response to stress in emergency services providers and others.  


In this episode we talk about:


  • His move from Canada to Australia.


  • The current health status of Australian paramedics.


  • Work to improve paramedic wellness and resilience.


  • Where his research focus is going next.


Resources discussed:

Australasian College of Paramedicine

ESSA - Exercise Sport Science Australia

The debrief podcast

The fast lane podcast

Medic mindset podcast


You can contact Sandy directly at a.macquarrie@griffith.edu.au or follow him via social media on Linkedin and Twitter. Sandy University Profile and OCRID ID

Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Oct 08, 202152:20
Dr Oliver Hamlet (Axiom Human Factors): Non-Technical Skill Utilisation in Search and Rescue.

Dr Oliver Hamlet (Axiom Human Factors): Non-Technical Skill Utilisation in Search and Rescue.

Dr Oliver Hamlet is a human factors consultant with a PhD in organisational psychology / human factors from the University of Aberdeen, where he is also a member of the Applied Psychology and Human Factors research group. Oliver has studied psychology for over 11 years, and has 6 years of experience conducting research into human factors, the majority of which focusing on dynamic high-risk environments such as helicopter search and rescue operations.

In early 2021, Oliver completed a PhD exploring the non-technical skills utilisation of offshore transport and search and rescue helicopter crews, the findings of which were used to develop novel human factors training mechanism for helicopter pilots, known as HeliNOTS systems. The HeliNOTS systems have since been recognised for their substantial impact by academia and industry alike. His research has also been used to develop a taxonomy of factors which influence non-technical skills in the sector.

Oliver is passionate about furthering the relationship between academic research and real-world practice, and alongside his human factors consultancy continues his research to identify and train the skills which facilitate high-level human performance.


In this episode we talk about:


  • What non-technical skills are and their importance to performance.


  • The development of HeliNOTS.


  • Positive and negative markers within non-technical skills.


  • The development and future research around cognitive readiness.



Resources discussed:

Safety at the sharp end by Rhona Flin

Blackbox thinking by Matthew Syed


You can contact Oliver directly at Oliver@axiomhumanfactors.com or follow him via social media on Linkedin.


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Oct 01, 202155:32
Jim McDonald: Promoting health and fitness within the fire service.

Jim McDonald: Promoting health and fitness within the fire service.

Sep 03, 202148:49
Captain Michelle Jilek (USAF): Keeping fighter pilots airborne.

Captain Michelle Jilek (USAF): Keeping fighter pilots airborne.

*The views expressed in this episode are those of Captain Michelle Jilek and do not represent those of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defence* Captain Michelle “Twitch” Jilek is an embedded Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) within the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, USA. Captain Jilek developed one of the first-ever unique active duty embedded DPT position in the United States Air Force to offer services specifically for fighter pilots within their own squadrons on the flightline. She has been working closely with Air Combat Command in developing the Optimizing Human Weapon System (OWHS) program for fighter pilots, and works closely with contract personnel including Athletic Trainers, Strength Coaches, and Licensed Massage Therapists.  Captain Jilek specializes in treating high G-induced spine injuries in fighter pilots, and is currently developing research projects to reduce the chance of high G injuries sustained in F-22s and other fighter aircraft. Captain Jilek graduated from University of New Mexico School of Medicine with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017, completed an orthopedic residency in 2019, and became a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) in 2020. She has conducted award-winning research in spine and shoulder, and has been using her special skills for the United States Air Force since 2018 when she commissioned.


In this episode we talk about: 

  • Common Injuries within fighter pilots. 


  • Setting up an embedded performance programme within a fighter pilot squadron. 


  • Her prehab and rehab process. 


  • How she is tracking performance. 



Resources discussed: 


High G flight by David Newman 

Movement Impingement syndromes by Shirley Sahrmann 

McGill Method 

McKenzie Method 

Career detail about becoming a PT in the USAF 

Current Concepts Physical Therapy Courses  


You can contact Michelle Directly via email at jilek.michelle@gmail.com or via social media on Linkedin  Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Aug 27, 202155:59
Ryan Carroll (Bridge Athletic): Using data to inform performance.
Aug 20, 202101:00:32
Dr. Jay Dawes (Oklahoma State University): Building the link between academia and industry.
Aug 13, 202155:04
Andrew Bell (University of Southern Queensland): Operational Cognitive Readiness.
Aug 06, 202101:20:43
Dr Eric Kinney: Wellness professional in fire and rescue.
Jul 30, 202137:49
Joseph Alemany (KBR): Providing solutions to tactical organisations.

Joseph Alemany (KBR): Providing solutions to tactical organisations.

Joseph Alemany is a Solutions Architect for KBR’s Government Solutions U.S. business. In his current role, he is the strategist and technical expert on human performance and associated technology for business development. His expertise is utilized to drive business development, monitor market conditions and project market trends, and foster relationships with industry leaders in the health and human performance domain.

Joe received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Massachusetts. He also holds a graduate degree from the University of South Carolina in Exercise Science (Applied Physiology) during which, Joe was the program manager for the most comprehensive assessment of physical activity during U.S. Army initial entry training.

His formal training spans ~20 years from various assignments in and out of uniform at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Performance Physiology Division; Army Public Health Center, Injury Epidemiology Directorate; and Defence Health Agency, Research and Development Directorate. He also serves in the U.S. Army National Guard as a clinical laboratory coordinator. Having these diverse experiences in escalating roles & responsibilities allows him to see the health and human performance space from the tactical, operational and strategic level.

Joe has been published in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals and U.S. governmental reports and has been invited to speak at several national and internal conferences. His research is soldier-centric and has ranged in scope from characterizing and intervening on physiological perturbations during military operational stress to development for the new Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) and Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and its relation to health outcomes. In additional to traditional scientific R&D initiatives, Joe has provided evidence-based policy support to provide solutions to enterprise-wide physical performance policy and body composition standards in the Department of Defence.


In this episode Joe talks about:


  • His journey in to the Military.


  • His move to KBR.


  • What KBR are doing to help enhance tactical organisations.


  • Some of the emerging themes in the tactical space.


  • Some of the challenges and opportunities within the tactical space. 



Resources Discussed:


Supertraining by Yuri Verkhoshansky and Mel Siff

Principles by Ray Dalio


You can contact Joe directly at joe.alemany@us.kbr.com or via Linkedin and Researchgate

Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jul 23, 202101:28:22
Hunter Schurrer (The Performance Syndicate): A Decade of Working with Special Forces.
Jul 16, 202150:26
Dr. Tunde Szivak (Merrimack College): Biomarkers of Stress and Physical Performance.

Dr. Tunde Szivak (Merrimack College): Biomarkers of Stress and Physical Performance.

Dr. Tunde K. Szivak is an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts. She earned her PhD in Kinesiology with concentration in Exercise Science from The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, her MA in Kinesiology from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, and her BS in Philosophy from the United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point, New York. 

Dr. Szivak’s areas of expertise include strength and conditioning, adaptations to resistance exercise, and applied exercise physiology. Her research interests focus on applied stress physiology, tactical human performance optimization, and mental and physical resilience. Her current research efforts center on the effects of seated load carriage on physical performance and subjective measures of mood and pain. Dr. Szivak’s prior work focused on the effects of Navy Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training on physical performance and biomarkers of stress in military trainees. Her most recent publications investigate resistance training considerations for tactical personnel and health outcomes among military officers. 

She currently teaches Advanced Exercise Physiology, Advanced Strength & Conditioning, and Strength & Conditioning Coaching in the Exercise and Sport Science Graduate program at Merrimack College. Dr. Szivak is a former active-duty Army officer, having earned her commission upon graduation from USMA (Class of 2003), where she was a four-year collegiate Powerlifting athlete. Her military assignments include two year-long combat tours in the Middle East (2004 and 2007) while assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She currently serves in the United States Army (Reserve).


In this episode Tunde talks about:


  • Her transition from the military to academia


  • An overview of the mechanism behind the stress response.


  • Global vs localized stress.


  • The impact of fitness levels on the stress response.


  • Strategies to improve stress hardiness.


Resources discussed in this episode:


Supertraining by Yuri Verkhoshansky and Mel Siff

Breath: The new science of a lost art by James Nestor


You can contact Tunde directly at szivakt@merrimack.edu or via Linkedin 


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jul 09, 202151:18
Mandy Nice (NSCA): Providing a Performance Toolkit to Tactical Organisations.

Mandy Nice (NSCA): Providing a Performance Toolkit to Tactical Organisations.

Mandy Nice has over 15 years of experience developing and implementing physical fitness and wellness programs that measurably improve the strength and resilience of tactical athletes and civilians. Her science-based, results-focused approach has consistently produced positive results that have earned national-level awards for measurably improving employee health, fitness, and quality-of-life. Mandy actively serves as a guest speaker at state, national and international law enforcement conferences to help share scalable best practices for sustainable success. To further support agencies, Mandy also serves as the Tactical Program Manager of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She is responsible for fully equipping members of law enforcement and fire/rescue with the essential research, training, tools, and resources to establish safe tactical athletic programs that optimize job readiness while reducing injury risk. Mandy’s greatest motivator is helping members of law enforcement and fire/rescue optimize their fitness and health so that they can enjoy strong, rewarding careers and long, healthy retirements.


In this episode Mandy talks about:


  • Her early work in tactical populations.


  • Her transition from practitioner to programme manager with the NSCA.


  • How the NSCA has developed a free performance toolkit to help support tactical organisations.



Resources discussed:


Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin 

Website: www.nsca.com



You can contact Mandy via email at mandy.nice@nsca.com or on Social Media via Facebook and Linkedin


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jul 02, 202133:47
Johnny Owens (Owens Recovery Science): Blood Flow Restriction Training

Johnny Owens (Owens Recovery Science): Blood Flow Restriction Training

Johnny Owens BS, MPT is CEO and Director of Clinical Education for Owens Recovery Science, a corporation recognized in the INC 500. He manages a research portfolio of over 40 clinical trials being conducted worldwide primarily studying the effects of Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation in clinical populations.

He is the former Chief of Human Performance Optimization at the Center for the Intrepid (CFI) at San Antonio Military Medical Center and continues to serve as a consultant and clinical researcher at the CFI.

He completed his undergraduate course work in Biology at The University of Texas at Austin and earned his Masters in Physical Therapy at The University of Texas Medical Branch. He serves as a medical consultant for teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and collegiate sports. He is involved in numerous clinical trials involving regenerative medicine, sports medicine, blood flow restriction and high-energy trauma. Owens has been published extensively in the peer-reviewed literature, regularly speaks at the national and international level and his work has been featured on 60 Minutes, Time Magazine, NPR, Discovery Channel and ESPN.


In this episode Johnny talks about:


  • His pathway in to Physical Therapy.


  • His work at the Centre for the Intrepid.


  • Where his interest in Blood flow restriction came from.


  • The common mistakes when utilising BFR.


  • The correct protocols to maximise BFR.



Resources discussed:


Evernote

The Stoic Challenge by William Irvine



You can contact Johnny via his website at Owensrecoveryscience.com or follow him on Twitter



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jun 25, 202142:41
Jason Mitchler (Talem Te): Special Forces to Physiotherapy.

Jason Mitchler (Talem Te): Special Forces to Physiotherapy.

Jason Mitchler works full time as the Director of Operations at the William J. Hybl Sport Medicine and Performance Center.  He also works as an injury prevention specialist for various fire departments throughout the country and is an Instructor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Jason retired from active duty in 2019 and served the majority of his Army career in operational units.  His enlisted career began as an infantryman and later as a Special Forces Medic with the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) while completing two tours to Afghanistan.  After being commissioned as a physical therapist he was the lead during the implementation of the USASOC THOR3 program at 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).  During this time he oversaw the development of a comprehensive performance and rehabilitation program at Ft. Carson, CO.  Following this assignment he was selected to be the Chief of the Physical Therapy at the Pentagon.  His most recent deployment was as the sole physical therapist for the Special Operations Task Force- Afghanistan (SOTF-A) serving both American and coalition forces.

He is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in Kinesiology and the Army-Baylor program with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  He is an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Jason lives in Colorado Springs, CO. He is an assistant high school wrestling coach and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  In his free time he is an active cyclist, runner, and skier.


In this episode Jason talks about:


  • His time in special forces as an 18D.


  • Making the move to physical therapy.


  • His role in the THOR3 programme.


  • Working at the pentagon as the chief of physical therapy.



Resources discussed:


Physical Therapy - The manual therapist

S&C - NSCA TSAC Report


You can contact Jason on social media via Instagram


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jun 18, 202146:36
Dr. Neil Welch (Sports Surgery Clinic): Dealing With Lower Back Pain.
Jun 11, 202148:37
Jonathan Pope and Craig Weller (Building The Elite): Preparing for SOF selection.

Jonathan Pope and Craig Weller (Building The Elite): Preparing for SOF selection.

Jonathan and Craig are the co-authors of Building the Elite, a book which details the system they’ve used for over a decade to train people for special operations selection in half a dozen countries with a success rate over 90%. They also co-own Ethos Colorado, a performance training facility based in Denver, Colorado.

Jonathan began his coaching career as a former collegiate athlete on the wrong side of six different surgeries. He learned how to develop athletes with an eye toward long-term resilience while he was in the process of rebuilding his own physical performance. He’s now a competitive BJJ grappler and a backcountry ski mountaineer.

Craig is a former US Navy SWCC and private military contractor who learned the value of skill acquisition in stressful environments when he joined the Navy without knowing how to swim and volunteered for special operations selection.


In this episode Craig and Jonathan talk about:


  • How they created building the elite.


  • The common pitfalls when preparing for SOF Selection.


  • The difference between training for selection and training post selection.



Resources discussed:


Thinking in systems by Donella Meadows

Science, Strategy and War by Frans Osinga

The Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert Performance by Ericsson and Hoffman

Surfing Uncertainty by Andy Clark

Omegawave education - Val Nasedkin



You can stay up to date and contact both Craig and Jonathan via their website www.buildingtheelite.com or via social media on Instagram and Facebook



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jun 04, 202147:02
Giovani Urrutia (Evolve to Rise): Tactical Education
Apr 23, 202154:30
Maj (Ret) Donny Bigham (One Time Powerlifting): Training the Warrior Athlete.

Maj (Ret) Donny Bigham (One Time Powerlifting): Training the Warrior Athlete.

Donny Bigham, recently retired at the rank of Major after 27 years of Service within the US Army. Having served in every position in an Infantry Rifle Company (Enlisted and Officer) and deployed to Bosnia, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Yemen. During this time he served as the first ever Strength and Conditioning Coach in the Uniform for the US Army. He played an instrumental role in changing the US Army Physical Fitness test after almost 40 years to the Army Combat Fitness test (ACFT) and led the effort designing the Occupational Performance Assessment Test (OPAT) for initial screening of potential recruits. Lastly, he designed the Tactical Athlete Performance Centre at Fort Jackson and re- wrote the Master Fitness Trainer curriculum to ensure all Warriors are successful in all Tactical Tasks!

Donny has served as the Director of Human Performance for the Tactical Athlete Performance Center (TAP-C) at Fort Benning, GA. The TAP-C is the first ever Performance Center that trains over 600 Soldiers daily within a Combat Battalion that was designed under MAJ Bigham’s tenure.

He also designed the Tactical Athlete Performance Assessment (TAP-A) at the Army Wellness Center to truly test baseline strength for the tactical athlete necessary to move under loads at 30% of their body weights. He was the Army Male Athlete of the Year in 2016 and 2017 NSCA TSAC-F facilitator (Strength Coach) of the Year.

He is a two-time raw world master’s powerlifting champion (2015 & 2016) with the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF, IOC) and finished 3rd place in the world in 2019. Also, he currently holds the Squat WR in the IPF and the WR Squat, Deadlift and Total in the IPL. He is a 4x national champion and a 5x member of Team USA Powerlifting.

Donny earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from University of SC and his Masters degree in Sports Management with a concentration in Coaching Theories from American Military University. He will begin the PhD track in Human and Sport Performance at Rocky Mountain University in the Summer of 2021. Donny is currently partnering with Sorinex to Develop the Tactical Athlete APP that will ensure every person in uniform (military & 1st responders) has a daily training plan that is tiered individually to maximize the God given potential to physically and mentally dominate any task required of them!


In this episode Donny talks about:


  • The challenges of changing culture.


  • The logistics of building and running the Tactical Athlete Performance Centre.


  • The future developments of Military performance training.


Resources discussed:


NSCA TSAC Report

NSCA Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning

Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe.

Triphasic Training by Cal Dietz


You can stay up to date with Donny via social media on YouTube and Instagram.


You can also contact him via email at cptbigham@yahoo.com



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Apr 09, 202101:23:50
Nate Palin (FitOps): Tactical Fitness and Supporting Veterans.

Nate Palin (FitOps): Tactical Fitness and Supporting Veterans.

Nate Palin is a professional strength and conditioning coach and Army veteran, serving 7 years in the 2nd Ranger Battalion. He is the Director of Education for FitOps Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to improving the physical and mental health of veterans by creating purpose and community through the power of fitness. 

Nate began his coaching career in 2010 as owner of The Movement Project LLC, an entrepreneurial personal training effort, then narrowed his focus to tactical strength and conditioning as a performance specialist for EXOS in Washington, DC in 2012. Nate coached Special Operations Forces at Joint Base Lewis-McChord from 2015 to 2018 before managing the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Tactical program. 

Over the course of five combat deployments in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and as a special operations and tactical performance expert, Nate experienced the military’s performance shortcomings firsthand, observing the need for enhanced physical training to better support mission critical tasks. 

Nate believes that through Adventure, Performance, and Discomfort (getting comfortable being uncomfortable), relentless growth and learning can be fostered. Nate approaches coaching and training with an enthusiastic intensity, always willing to step outside his comfort zone and get “uncomfortable.”

As the Director of Education at FitOps Foundation, Nate’s mission is to train and equip Veterans - in and out of the classroom - to be Certified Veteran Fitness Operatives (CVFO’s). Nate’s personal experience with the fitness and human performance communities is tied tightly with his role at FitOps - facilitating a continuum of coaching opportunities for veterans seeking renewed purpose. 

In addition to coaching and his role at FitOps Foundation, Nate is a speaker, author, rapper and father of one. He is the co-author of Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test for Human Kinetics and the NSCA, and is an adjunct professor for CalUPenn’s graduate program in tactical strength and conditioning.


In this episode Nate talks about:


  • Why he decided to pursue a military career and specifically the Ranger Regiment.


  • His thoughts on training and how he has seen the strength and conditioning field evolve.


  • His role as director of education at FitOps Foundation and how they are serving and empowering veterans. 



Resources discussed:


Talk like TED by Carmine Galo


Spy the Lie by Philip Houston



You can follow Nate on Instagram @Natepalin or contact him via email at natepalin@gmail.com



To find out more about the FitOps Foundation and the work they are doing to support veterans check out their website at FitOps.org



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Apr 02, 202101:06:32
Tyler Christiansen (USAF): Developing Human Performance

Tyler Christiansen (USAF): Developing Human Performance

Tyler Christiansen is a veteran U.S. soldier currently employed by the U.S Air Force working as the Human Performance Director. Previously, Tyler was the Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC) Program Manager at the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Christiansen has worked with tactical athletes in the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community, including the 7th Special Forces Group, a Special Missions Unit in the greater D.C. area, as the TSAC Coordinator at the NSCA, as an Exercise Physiologist at the Army Physical Fitness Research Institute, and as a contractor in Baghdad, Iraq. Additionally, Christiansen has worked with sport athletes at Iowa State University, Illinois State University, and the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball (MLB) organization. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS,*D), a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator with Distinction (TSAC-F,*D) and a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach with Distinctions (RSCC*D). He was recognized as the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s 2019 Tactical Strength and Conditioning Practitioner of the Year.


The view presented are those of Tyler’s and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Defense or any of its components


In this episode Tyler talks about:


  • His role as a Tactical strength and conditioning co-ordinator and later Manager with the NSCA.


  • How has training within tactical strength and conditioning has evolved over the last 12 years.


  • The cultural difference between working with the USAF and Army.


  • How he measures programme success.



Resources discussed:


Healthy Gut, Healthy You by Dr Michael Ruscio



You can stay up to date with Tyler via social media on Instagram and Twitter or can contact him via email at tylerchristiansen@live.com


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Mar 26, 202101:00:60
Chief Dan Kerrigan and Captain Jim Moss (Firefighter Functional Fitness): Helping Fire Fighters Become Better.

Chief Dan Kerrigan and Captain Jim Moss (Firefighter Functional Fitness): Helping Fire Fighters Become Better.

Dan Kerrigan is the co-author of the best-selling book Firefighter Functional Fitness and Fire Chief of the Upper Providence Township Fire Department in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He is a 35-year fire service veteran, certified peer fitness trainer, certified group fitness instructor, advocate for firefighter health and fitness, and international presenter on the topic. He serves as an at-large director on the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ “Safety, Health, and Survival” section where he works regularly with national and international organizations on strategies to improve firefighter health and wellness. Dan is also an adjunct professor at several universities where he teaches fire service administration, leadership, strategic planning and emergency management courses at the graduate and undergraduate level. 


Jim Moss is a fire captain and paramedic for the Metro West Fire Protection District in St. Louis County, Missouri. A 16-year veteran of the fire service, his passions include leadership, training, mentorship and fitness. Jim is the bestselling author of Firefighter Success: 20 C’s to Firefighter Excellence, and the co-author of Firefighter Functional Fitness: The Essential Guide to Optimal Firefighter Performance and Longevity. He is also the host of the Firefighter Success Podcast. Jim is a contributor to multiple fire service publications, including Fire Engineering Magazine and FirefighterToolbox.com. He has shared his message at FDIC International, Firehouse, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, the National Volunteer Fire Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and with fire departments nationwide.  


In this episode Dan and Jim talk about:


  • The creation of Firefighter Functional Fitness


  • How they came to write a book a the logistics involved in this.


  • How they are helping to roll out health and fitness across multiple fire departments.



Resources discussed:


Firefighter Success by Captain Jim Moss



You can stay up to date with Dan and Jim via social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @FirefighterFFit and their YouTube channel: Firefighter Functional Fitness.


If you are interested in working with or speaking with Dan and Jim you can contact them via their website or via email at firefighterfunctionalfitness@gmail.com



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Mar 12, 202101:01:24
Dr. Trent Nessler (Rebound Vitality): ACL Injury and Movement Screening.

Dr. Trent Nessler (Rebound Vitality): ACL Injury and Movement Screening.

Dr. Trent Nessler is the President of Rebound Vitality, Senior Sports Medicine Contributor for SportsEdTV and the founder | developer of the ViPerform AMI™ & ViPerform AMI™ Return to Sport, ACL Play It Safe and Run Safe programs. Trent holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, a master’s in physical therapy, and a doctorate with a focus in biomechanics and motor learning. 

Dr. Nessler has been a sports medicine physical therapist for 23+ years working with athletes at all levels from the pros to weekend warrior.  Dr. Nessler is co-developer of a 3D movement assessment (ViPerform AMIä) that is used by 450+ pro teams, colleges and organizations, has been used to assess over 25K athletes in the US and is used in several national research projects. 

Dr. Nessler is a published researcher and author of a college textbook, speaks internationally on the topic of ACLs and injury prevention and serves as a consultant for professional teams and organizations. As a sport’s physical therapist, avid weight lifter (40+ years) and competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt, Dr. Nessler is always looking for ways to apply the latest science to optimize outcomes and enhance athletic performance.


In this episode Trent talks about:


  • What drew him to a career in physical therapy.


  • His work around ACL Rehabilitation.


  • The development of his Athletic Movement Index (AMI).


  • His current work with Rebound Vitality and how they are serving the first responder community. 



Resources discussed:


Anatomy and human movement - Nigel Palastanga and Roger Somaes 


Manual Muscle Testing - Elizabeth Kendall



You can stay up to Trent via social media on Instagram @bjjpt_acl_guy and Twitter @ACL_prevention

If you are interested in working with Rebound Vitality you can contact them directly at justrebound.com


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Mar 05, 202101:00:39
Chriss Smith (Trident Mindset): Enhancing Mental Toughness.

Chriss Smith (Trident Mindset): Enhancing Mental Toughness.

Chriss Smith is a former Navy SEAL where he served for over a decade within the SEAL Teams and other Special Operation units. Upon leaving the military, Chriss has engaged within a range of entrepreneurial ventures including his gym Trident Athletics where his goal is to inspire, motivate and help people achieve confidence and long lasting health. Chriss is also the CEO and cofounder of Trident Mindset, a performance company aimed at helping people become mentally tougher and more resilient. 


Chris has also keeps his competitive fires stoked by competing in some of the toughest Ultra endurance and adventure races on the planet, including: The Eco Challenge in Fiji, "GODZone" a 650km adventure Race in New Zealand and Primal Quest, a 465-mile 10-day adventure race. 


In this episode Chriss talks about:


  • His military career.


  • His thoughts on mental toughness.


  • Why he created Trident Mindset.


  • How people can train to enhance mental toughness and some of the common faults people make.



Resources discussed in this episode:


Garmin connect


Day One Journal



You can contact Chriss directly at csmith@tridentmindset.com or reach out through his website tridentmindset.com

You can also follow Chriss and get daily lessons on Mental toughness on Instagram - @tridentmindsetofficial



If you want to check out the course at Trident Mindset and get a slight discount for listening to this podcast then click HERE.



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Feb 26, 202101:06:38
John Hofman (Southern California University): Lessons Learnt Over a Decade Helping Fire Fighters.

John Hofman (Southern California University): Lessons Learnt Over a Decade Helping Fire Fighters.

Coach John Hofman, MS., CSCS*D, TSAC-F*D is one of leading experts in the field of Firefighter Health and Wellness and currently serves as the Director of Tactical Strength & Conditioning Specialist for Southern California University Health Systems. Prior to going SCU, Coach Hofman spent 10 years as the strength and conditioning coach for the Sacramento Fire Department, where he oversaw the Wellness Centre, coordinated the department’s medical and fitness assessments, developed recruit fitness training, pre-employment medical and fitness evaluations and assisted with the department’s 20-certified Peer Fitness Trainers.


In addition, Coach Hofman was the 2018 recipient of the National Strength and Conditioning Association TSAC Practitioner of the year Award. This award is given to a TSAC educator and practitioner who has made noteworthy contribution to the teaching and practical application in the field of tactical strength training and conditioning.


In this episode John talks about:


  • How his career started working with firefighters.


  • Some of the biggest challenges he faced in the early part of his career.


  • How his programme and his own philosophy changed over the 10 years he worked with the Sacramento Fire Department.


  • His new role working Southern California University. 



Resources discussed in this episode:


The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday



You can contact John directly via Email at johnhofman@scuhs.edu or the SCU website at https://scuhealth.org/services/tactical-sports-medicine

You can also follow John via social media on Instagram and Facebook



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Feb 19, 202101:08:31
Megan Lautz, RD and Maureen Stoecklein, RD (Wellness Professionals in Fire and Rescue): Nutrition For Fire Fighters.

Megan Lautz, RD and Maureen Stoecklein, RD (Wellness Professionals in Fire and Rescue): Nutrition For Fire Fighters.

Megan Lautz is a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a Masters in Sports Nutrition. While a civilian, Megan has strived to understand the challenges firefighters face when trying to stay healthy. She has trained for and passed CPAT, completed a 24 hour ride-along, and is involved in fire recruit training and nutrition. Megan also provides healthy dinner demonstrations, nutrition roundtables, workouts, and mobility sessions to career firefighters out in the field. Megan’s mission is to help firefighters perform better, recover faster, and live longer.


Maureen has served as a registered dietitian for over 25 years and a full-time firefighter/paramedic for 20 years. While serving as a firefighter, she is the Director of Nutrition at Barwis Methods Training Facility in Plymouth MI, and served three seasons as Team Dietitian for the New York Mets baseball organization. An accomplished athlete, Maureen understands the importance of solid nutrition for optimum performance. She was selected as one of four women in the United States to represent Brawny Paper towels Strength Has No Gender Campaign and was featured in Crain’s Business Magazine. Maureen’s passion for nutrition and fitness and the many athletes, coaches, mentors and colleagues she has met along the way inspire her to share her love of healthy food and insights to help other succeed!


In this episode Megan and Maureen talk about:


  • An overview of their roles as dieticians within a fire department.


  • Their individual philosophies around nutrition.


  • The biggest health challenges faced by firefighters.


  • The impact they have made in their individual departments.


  • How they see the role of dieticians in fire departments developing over the next 5-10 years.


Resources discussed:


TSAC Report

Precision Nutrition

Angie Asche - @EleatNutrition on both Instagram and Facebook

Fire House fresh recipe book



You can contact Megan via  email at Megan.Lautz@gmail.com if interested in nutrition consulting or check her out on Facebook and Instagram  @Rescue.RD 


You can follow Maureen on Instagram: @MaureenStoeckleinRD or via Facebook: Maureen Stoecklein RD


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Feb 12, 202149:03
James Cruickshank (SPEAR Physiotherapy): Common Running Injuries.

James Cruickshank (SPEAR Physiotherapy): Common Running Injuries.

James is a performance physiotherapist working in private practice with recreational and elite athletes in a wide range of sports.


He has over 13 years of experience, initially working in the NHS in a rotational post whilst spending the later years in seconded musculoskeletal positions. For the last 7 years he has  worked at SPEAR – private sports specialist physiotherapy department looking after Scottish Institute supported athletes as part of a multi-disciplinary team. 


In 2014 James had the opportunity support Tuvalu in the role of lead physiotherapist during the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and supported Scottish squads in the preparation to both the 2014 Glasgow games and 2018 Gold Coast Games.


In this episode James talks about: 


  • Why he pursued a career in Physiotherapy.


  • His interest in running related injuries.


  • The most common running injures and how these vary by athlete experience level.


  • The mechanisms behind injuries and how they typically present.


  • Advice on how to manage minor injuries and return to running.



Resources discussed in this episode:


Books -

You can run pain free by Brad Beer

Anatomy for Runners by Jay Dicharry 

The lost art of running by Shane Benzie

ROAR by Stacy Sims


Website -  

HumanLocomotion.com 


APP - 

Metronome timer

Coachs eye


You can stay up to date with James via his Blog – www.physiorun.net or follow him on Facebook - Jamescruickshankphysiorun and Instagram at @physiorun or @spear_sportsinjuryclinic


If you are interested in picking up any of the courses James has created you can do so at payhip.com/physiorun



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Feb 05, 202101:02:55
Dr. Filip Kukic (Abu Dhabi Police): Research and Body Composition in Police Officers.

Dr. Filip Kukic (Abu Dhabi Police): Research and Body Composition in Police Officers.

Dr Filip Kukic started out his athletic career in sprint kayak where he competed from age 9 until 16 when he transferred to competitive rowing for 2 years before making a return to sprint kayak. He competed internationally in both sports representing the Serbian National team.


To enhance his understanding of physical performance, Filip completed both his Bachelor and Master degrees within the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Belgrade, Serbia. During his time here he served as a student assistant in the department of biomechanics. 


In 2014, he was presented with an opportunity to work for the Abu Dhabi Police department as physical fitness instructor. Over the last 7 years Filip has achieved several milestones including developing the physical fitness standards for the annual fitness assessment of Abu Dhabi police. Alongside colleagues, he developed the physical fitness research branch within his testing section. This also included the development and implementation of 8 weight loss courses for police officers. Recently he developed a trainers course to provide secondary education to officers who wanted to become physical fitness facilitators and instructors.


As well as being a practitioner, Filip has worked extensively to implement research in to his department which included him completing his PhD. This has led to him publishing several papers on officer performance and body composition alongside building collaborative links with researchers within Australia, Canada and the United States. 


In this episode Filip talks about:


  • What prompted him to focus his research within tactical populations.


  • His current role within Abu Dhabi Police force.


  • His research in to body composition and its impact upon officer performance.



Resources discussed in this episode:


NSCA Essentials of strength and conditioning textbook

ACSM Exercise testing and prescription textbook


https://complementarytraining.net/ - Mladen Jovanovic



You can contact Filip via email at filip.kukic@gmail.com or via his social media channels on Linkedin, Facebook or Instagram 


You can also stay up to date with Filip's research via his Research Gate profile.  



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jan 29, 202101:06:56
LT. Chris Marella (4th Shift Fitness): Submaximal Training and Incentive Based Fitness in The Fire Service.

LT. Chris Marella (4th Shift Fitness): Submaximal Training and Incentive Based Fitness in The Fire Service.

Lieutenant Chris Marella's career in the fire service began in 2003 as a part time/ paid on call firefighter EMT-B for a combination department in the western suburbs of Chicago. Over the next 5 years Chris completed his paramedic certification and worked in several departments as a paid on call, contract paramedic and full time firefighter. In 2008 Chris moved to his current fire department in the suburbs of Chicago working alongside 138 fire personnel across 7 stations to serve a a community of 130 thousand residents. 


Growing up Chris was a multi sport athlete with a main focus on hockey. This passion for sport and fitness led to Chris achieving his NSCA CPT qualification in 2012. Chris is the owner of 4th Shift Fitness, a company he started to positively impact the fire service through education and training via in station and hands on seminars.  His goal is to reach as many departments and individuals as possible to inspire, educate or coach through their fitness journey.


Chris also helps to serve the firefighter community through Devote December and Spring 4 Change which he created with Annette Zapp of FireSQFitness  to shine a spotlight and provide support for firefighter and dispatcher suicides. 


In this episode Chris talks about:


  • Setting up an incentive based fitness programme.


  • His thoughts on submaximal training and how it can help firefighters sustain performance throughout a long career.


  • His work as part of Devote December and Spring for Change which bring awareness to firefighter and dispatcher suicides as well as providing information and tools for those in need.


Resources discussed in this episode:


Conscious coaching by Brett Bartholomew

Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf



stay up to date with Chris via his website  or on social media at @4thshiftfitness on both Instagram and Facebook. You can also contact him via email him at 4thshiftfit@gmail.com or listen to his podcast at Tailboard Talk a 4th Shift Fitcast


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jan 22, 202154:32
Dr. Daniel B. Bornstein (The Citadel): Physical Activity is a National Security Issue.

Dr. Daniel B. Bornstein (The Citadel): Physical Activity is a National Security Issue.

Dr. Daniel B. Bornstein is the Founding Director of the Center for Performance, Readiness, Resiliency, and Recovery (CPR3) and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Dan’s Ph.D. and current research agenda is on effective strategies for increasing population-levels of physical activity in order to improve fitness, health and national security.

Dan has published extensively in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals and presents regularly at national and international scientific conferences. Dan’s research has been featured in over 130 media outlets worldwide, including USA Today, Newsweek, Stars and Stripes, and National Public Radio. Based on his research, Dan has provided numerous briefings to senior military personnel and lawmakers, including briefings at The Pentagon and on Capitol Hill.

In addition to his research, Dan has held national leadership positions including: Project Coordinator for the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan from 2009-2014, Chair of the American Public Health Association’s Physical Activity Section from 2015-2016, and is currently Chairing the Expert Advisory Panel to develop a Military Sector for the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan.

With a few drinks in him, Dan will tell you he was a great sport and tactical athlete, but don’t believe him. However, he did play soccer and lacrosse competitively, was a champion bodybuilder, and spent 8 years in the fire service. Dan is married to the love of his life, Meghan. Together they have two children Mia (12) and Jake (11).


In this episode Dan talks about:


  • His move from practitioner to academia.


  • The development of the Centre for Performance, Readiness, Resiliency and Recovery (CPR3).


  • His current research projects.


  •  The academic programmes in tactical performance and resiliency offered by The Citadel.


Resources discussed in this episode:


Muscle and Motion app

Headspace app



You can reach out to Dan via Linkedin or through his personal email at dbornstei@citadel.edu

If you want to find out more about the Centre for Performance, Readiness, Resiliency and Recovery (CPR3) at  https://www.citadel.edu/root/cpr3



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jan 15, 202101:05:28
Dr. Rob Orr (Tactical Research Unit): The Impact of Load Carriage.

Dr. Rob Orr (Tactical Research Unit): The Impact of Load Carriage.

Dr Rob Orr joined the Australian Army in 1989 as an infantry soldier before transferring to the Australian Defence Force Physical Training Instructor (PTI) stream. Serving for 10 years in this stream, Rob designed, developed, instructed and audited physical training programs and physical education and rehabilitation courses for military personnel and fellow PTIs from both Australian and foreign defence forces. Rob subsequently transferred to the physiotherapy stream where his role included the clinical rehabilitation of defence members and project management of physical conditioning optimisation reviews. Serving as the Human Performance Officer for Special Operations before joining the team at Bond University in 2012, Rob continues to serve in the Army Reserve as a Human Performance Officer and as a sessional lecturer and consultant. Rob is the director of Bond University’s Tactical Research Unit, a unit with international collaborations designed to provide research, consultancy and education services to tactical professions around the globe.


Dr Orr’s fields of research, consultancy, and education provision spans physical conditioning, reconditioning, rehabilitation and injury prevention for military, law enforcement and protective services across their occupational lifespan (initial trainee to specialist). Generally focussing on the tactical population, Rob is actively involved in research with the Australian and foreign defence forces, an extensive list of law enforcement departments (both national and international), and firefighters / first responders.


Dr Orr has served on the organising committee for the 4th and 5th International Congress on Soldiers’ Physical Performance and on the scientific committees for the occupational branch of the Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference and World Physiotherapy Congress. Dr Orr is also Chair of the organising committee for the 4th  Physical Employment Standards Conference to be held in 2022 at Bond University, Australia. With over 150 peer reviewed publications, 30 Technical Reports and 200 Conference presentations, Rob has presented his work both nationally and internationally and has been invited to present several keynote presentations at internationally renowned research facilities and congresses. Winning awards for research outcomes, publications and teaching, Rob recently won Bond University’s prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence in 2020.


In this episode Rob talks about:


  • What are the demands of load carriage.


  • The impact upon tactical personnel from an injury and performance standpoint.


  • What’s next? Where is the research going?


  • The common faults people commit when training for load carriage.


  • His recommendations for appropriate training around load carriage.


  • Some of the other research projects he and the team at the Tactical Research Unit are undertaking.



Resources discussed:


TSAC Report

The Commando - The life and Death of Cameron Baird, VC,MG


You can contact Rob via Linkedin or Researchgate or stay up to date with the work of the Tactical Research Unit through their website or Linkedin and Facebook pages. 


Jan 08, 202156:06
Andy Hall (Robert Gordon University): High Intensity Interval Training.

Andy Hall (Robert Gordon University): High Intensity Interval Training.

Andy has worked in both Further and Higher education for the last 8 years within the areas of Fitness, Health and Exercise, Sport and Exercise Science and Sport Coaching. He was previously the programme leader for both HNC and HND levels for a Fitness, Health and Exercise course at College, and has recently been appointed as the Course Lead on the BSc(hons) Sport Coaching programme at Robert Gordon University.


He possess prior experience playing rugby for the Scottish Rugby Union (U-18 level), have undertaken an internship in Strength and Conditioning in line with UKSCA accreditation, and have performed various roles as a Sport and Exercise Scientist, Sports Nutritionist, and Teaching Fellow for an array of sports, clubs and academic institutions.


He holds a 1st Class BSc(hons) in Strength and Conditioning, a Masters by Research with a focus on the effects of High Intensity Interval Training, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, and have recently completed my PhD viva within the areas of Sprint Interval Training and Physical Performance. His research interests include sprint interval training, high intensity interval training, autoregulation, exercise performance and areas of health physiology.


In this episode Andy talks about:


  • The history of high intensity interval training (HIIT).


  • The health and performance benefits of HIIT.


  • The common faults people make when implementing HIIT.


  • His recommendations for programming HIIT  training within Military and first responders.



Recommended Resources:


Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by Haff and Triplett

Google Scholar - High intensity interval training

Google Scholar  - Sprint interval training



You can contact Andy directly either through Email: a.hall9@rgu.ac.uk or on social media at:

Twitter: @Andy_Hall9

Linkedin: Andy Hall

ResearchGate: Andy Hall



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Dec 04, 202043:22
Ari Knazan and Jason Rebsch (Invictus LEO): Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Law Enforcement.

Ari Knazan and Jason Rebsch (Invictus LEO): Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Law Enforcement.

Ari Knazan and Jason Rebsch founded Invictus in an effort to educate police officers and departments on the importance of Jiu Jitsu for law enforcement personnel. Ari Knazan has over 30 years experience in the martial arts and is a 1st degree black belt under Keith Owen (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) and a 5th degree Black Belt under Steve Hiscoe (Japanese Jiu Jitsu), both which Ari credits to saving his life on a number of occasions.  In addition to being a proud member of his city’s police force, he also operates a full time Jiu Jitsu academy and several online businesses which all revolve around personal safety, combative training and tactical awareness. Ari also is the host of Torvus Podcast, which aims at exploring the lighter side of life and runs Chaos Tactica: watches and BJJ rings


Jason Rebsch Has 24 years combined police experience and is a Black Belt and Instructor under Brian Marvin of Renzo Gracie Houston. Currently is assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division of his Department and has previously served as Patrol Sergeant and SRT Team Leader among other positions. Jason is also responsible for teaching Patrol, Active Shooter and Defensive Tactics at his agency. Jason has trained Jiu Jitsu for nearly 12 years and has competed at all levels. Jason is also the creator of @BJJCop whose goal is to encourage Police Officers to begin training Jiu Jitsu by demonstrating the effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu in Law Enforcement. 


In this episode Ari and Jason talk about:


  • Their choices to follow a career in Law Enforcement.


  • Their journey in to BJJ.


  • Real world examples of how BJJ is effective in Law Enforcement.


  • Why they created Invictus.


  • Recommendations and things to consider when trying to implement a BJJ training programme in your department.



Resources:


Research Paper - Why cops don't train

Research Paper - How Jiu Jitsu is saving lives in Law Enforcement

Chad Lyman - Code 4 concepts (Youtube Channel)

Jocko Willink - Jocko Podcast

David Goggins - website

Gary Vaynerchuk - website



You can contact Ari and Jason through the Invictus LEO website: invictusleo.com  and you can  email them at info@invictus.org

Social media -

Youtube channel - Invictusleo

Instagram - @invictusleo_official



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Nov 27, 202050:19
Dr. Nick Barringer (West Point Military Academy): Nutritional Research in the Military.

Dr. Nick Barringer (West Point Military Academy): Nutritional Research in the Military.

LT Colonel Nick Barringer is an expert on nutrition and performance for the tactical athlete.  Nick currently researches and serves as an assistant professor at the United States Military Academy.  Previously while working at the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine he researched Warfighter nutritional requirements in differing environments to include deployed Special Operators. Prior to that, he taught performance nutrition at the Army-Baylor Graduate Program in Nutrition. Nick served in the 75th Ranger Regiment as a member of the Ranger Athlete Warrior (RAW) program where he oversaw the nutrition and aspects of the physical training of Rangers.   


Nick received his undergraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Georgia and his doctorate in kinesiology from Texas A&M.   Nick is passionate about improving nutrition and performance in tactical athletes and has the unique perspective of a researcher, teacher, and practitioner having deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan so he best understands both the academic and applied demands of the tactical athlete.  Nick has presented at both national and international conferences on tactical athlete nutrition and performance and his research has appeared in multiple media outlets such as Science Daily and Men’s Journal.


In this episode Nick talks about: 

  • His role in the 75th Ranger Regiment as part of the Ranger Athlete Warrior Program. 


  • The energy demand of different training schools and the impact of calorie deficits on force production. 


  • His role at West Point.


  •  The impact of Omega 3 and Vitamin D on soldiers resiliency and mood. 


  • Other research projects he is currently engaged in.  


Resources discussed in this episode: 


Books - 

Endure by Alex Hutchinson

 Game Changer by Fergus Connolly 

The Process by Fergus Connolly 



Websites-

 Martin Rooney - Training for warriors

 Jeff Martone - Tactical Athlete 

Dr. John Berardi - Precision Nutrition 

Prof. Stuart Philips - Twitter

 Dr. Lee Margolis - Researchgate 



You can stay up to date with Nick and his work via social media where he is Nick Barringer PhD, RDN on Facebook and @nickbarringer.phd.rdn on Instagram and you can also email him direct at nickbarringer35@gmail.com 


Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Nov 20, 202047:48
Joseph Warwick (Ceteris Paribus Performance): Training Practices within British Fire Fighters.

Joseph Warwick (Ceteris Paribus Performance): Training Practices within British Fire Fighters.

Nov 13, 202034:33
Wendy Lund, RN, MSc. (Wellth Management): Mindfulness in First Responders.

Wendy Lund, RN, MSc. (Wellth Management): Mindfulness in First Responders.

With over 3 decades of experience as a professor of health sciences, Wendy Lund understands the physiology and pathophysiology of ease and disease.  She became concerned over the educational gap that existed in preparing first responders to engage with trauma and tragedy and the growing number of deaths by suicides in vulnerable populations. Motivated to fill this gap, Wendy went back to school in her early 50's.

Her graduation in 2017 from the University of Aberdeen makes her one of very few globally with a MSc in mindfulness studies. Her research built a case for why proactive strategies matter in training and sustaining a resilient mind. Grateful for her career in academia, she retired early to provide others with an understanding of how to create and cause your mental health, not simply avoid disease.

She founded Wellth Management to fill a gap and inspire individuals and organisations to redefine wealth using evidence-based theory and strategies to create wellness and build stress tolerance.


In this episode Wendy talks about:



  • Her definition of mindfulness.


  • Her decision to return to education to pursue a MSc in mindfulness studies.


  • Why mindfulness and being present is important for first responders.


  • Steps to implement mindfulness in to daily practice.


  • The creation of her company Wellth Management and her free resource: Reach for Resiliency. 




Resources discussed in this episode:


Books - 

Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl

The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher Germer

Silver Linings: Stories of Gratitude, Resiliency and Growth Through Adversity by Janice Landry



Courses- 


Reach for Resiliency 

Public Health & Safety Worker Content & Conversation Course for Friends and Family


You can stay up to date with Wendy and her work via her website at: www.wellthmanagement.ca or via social media on Twitter: @WorkWithHeartWM and @WLund100  or via LinkedIn: Wellthmanagement



Keep up to date with Monarch Human Performance via our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Nov 06, 202040:11