Sports Talks

What happens when a veteran strength coach loses his role after 12 years? For Nate, it meant rediscovering his passion, redefining his path, and finding purpose beyond the weight room.In this episode of the Sam Portland Podcast, Nate shares his candid journey through sport, coaching, and unexpected career changes. From being a thrower in college, to coaching athletes at Buffalo, to becoming a “strength coach without a strength job,” this is a raw conversation about resilience, family, and what it really means to coach.If you’re a young coach, this one’s essential listening.Timestamps:00:00 – Why we skip the standard intros01:30 – Nate’s early story: football, track & field, and the weight room06:45 – Competing in throws and lessons from powerlifting14:00 – The importance of competing as a coach20:00 – First lessons in coaching contact sport athletes27:30 – COVID, cuts, and becoming a coach without a strength job36:00 – Balancing family, career, and quality of life44:00 – Certifications, teaching, and the

Cert inflation is real — and it’s draining your bank account. You don’t need another overpriced qualification. You need results, communication, and business skills that actually pay.In this episode of the S&C Business Club Podcast, I break down why chasing certifications is costing you more than money. I share my own journey — from falling for sales funnels, to building my own certification, to walking away from meaningless tick-box workshops. More importantly, I reveal what coaches really need to build financial independence:✅ Results that matter✅ Communication & emotional intelligence✅ Business skills that open doors (and wallets)If you’re undervalued, underpaid, and wondering how to make this career work for you, this is the wake-up call.

Grab 100 Speed Training Lessons the "gurus" charge your 1000's for: https://www.speedbysportland.com/100speed-lessonsMost coaches cram too much into a 7-day cycle—and end up killing speed gains. Here’s how to structure your week the right way.In this whiteboard session, I break down exactly how to apply the Sports Speed System across a training week. We’ll cover how to space out speed sessions, manage recovery, and build intensity over time without burning athletes out.This episode is for any strength & conditioning coach, performance coach, or team sport athlete who wants to avoid negative transfer, maximize freshness, and truly unlock speed development.Timestamps:00:00 – Why training density matters in speed development02:15 – Off-season example: breaking the 7-day cycle05:30 – How fatigue creates negative transfer08:10 – Structuring speed sessions across 14 days12:00 – Max speed, acceleration & change of direction pillars16:45 – How to integrate weights & recovery22:10 – Potentiat

What happens when structure turns into stress? Former pro Howard Packman tells you in no uncertain terms why it’s time for freedom on the field.”In this clip, Howard Packman—once a rising star with Northampton Saints and England U20s—lays bare the fragility of over-coaching. As he points out, too many coaches cling to rigid game plans out of fear, but sometimes the best strategy is simply: “Go and score some fucking points, lads.”Now serving as Academy Boys’ Head Coach at Sevenoaks RFC, Packman brings real-field insight to his coaching philosophy. In this conversation, he explores the need for freedom, instinct, and adaptability—drawing from his own experiences across clubs like Bedford Blues, Ealing Trailfinders, Doncaster Knights, and even a full international debut for Germany. Enjoy this bold insight from a former pro turned youth coach? Subscribe and leave a comment below—what’s one game you wish you’d let players run with instinct?

What happens when the pressure of professional football becomes too much? In this candid conversation, we dive into the realities of stepping away from the pitch, the search for balance, and finding new passions in fitness and motorsport.From letting go of the stress of football coaching to embracing new challenges, this clip is all about growth, balance, and the never-ending cycle of falling out of balance—only to find it again.Whether you’re chasing a career pivot, exploring your passions, or simply trying to find balance in your own life, you’ll connect with this.

Welcome to The Sam Portland Podcast, hosted by Sam Portland. The creator of The Sports Speed System. Join us in Sam Portland as we explore the cutting edge of speed training and strength and conditioning for athletes. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, our podcast dives deep into proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories to help you excel. From advanced sprint mechanics to innovative strength techniques, we’ll give you the tools to reach peak performance.Get Weekly Speed Coaching Here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-pageFormat & Topics:Weekly episodes featuring: • Expert interviews with coaches and athletes in San Portland. • Tips for optimizing speed and strength for team sports. • Discussions on cutting-edge research in sports science. • Practical advice for athletes and coaches to apply immediately.

Welcome to The Sam Portland Podcast, hosted by Sam Portland. The creator of The Sports Speed System. Join us in Sam Portland as we explore the cutting edge of speed training and strength and conditioning for athletes. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, our podcast dives deep into proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories to help you excel. From advanced sprint mechanics to innovative strength techniques, we’ll give you the tools to reach peak performance.Get Weekly Speed Coaching Here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-pageFormat & Topics:Weekly episodes featuring: • Expert interviews with coaches and athletes in San Portland. • Tips for optimizing speed and strength for team sports. • Discussions on cutting-edge research in sports science. • Practical advice for athletes and coaches to apply immediately.

Welcome to The Sam Portland Podcast, hosted by Sam Portland. The creator of The Sports Speed System. Join us in Sam Portland as we explore the cutting edge of speed training and strength and conditioning for athletes. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, our podcast dives deep into proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories to help you excel. From advanced sprint mechanics to innovative strength techniques, we’ll give you the tools to reach peak performance.Get Weekly Speed Coaching Here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-pageFormat & Topics:Weekly episodes featuring: • Expert interviews with coaches and athletes in San Portland. • Tips for optimizing speed and strength for team sports. • Discussions on cutting-edge research in sports science. • Practical advice for athletes and coaches to apply immediately.

Welcome to The Sam Portland Podcast, hosted by Sam Portland. The creator of The Sports Speed System. Join us in Sam Portland as we explore the cutting edge of speed training and strength and conditioning for athletes. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, our podcast dives deep into proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories to help you excel. From advanced sprint mechanics to innovative strength techniques, we’ll give you the tools to reach peak performance.Get Weekly Speed Coaching Here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-pageFormat & Topics:Weekly episodes featuring: • Expert interviews with coaches and athletes in San Portland. • Tips for optimizing speed and strength for team sports. • Discussions on cutting-edge research in sports science. • Practical advice for athletes and coaches to apply immediately.

Welcome to The Sam Portland Podcast, hosted by Sam Portland. The creator of The Sports Speed System.  Join us in Sam Portland as we explore the cutting edge of speed training and strength and conditioning for athletes. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, our podcast dives deep into proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories to help you excel. From advanced sprint mechanics to innovative strength techniques, we’ll give you the tools to reach peak performance. Get Weekly Speed Coaching Here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-page Format & Topics: Weekly episodes featuring: • Expert interviews with coaches and athletes in San Portland. • Tips for optimizing speed and strength for team sports. • Discussions on cutting-edge research in sports science. • Practical advice for athletes and coaches to apply immediately.

Welcome to The Sam Portland Podcast, hosted by Sam Portland. The creator of The Sports Speed System.  Join us in Sam Portland as we explore the cutting edge of speed training and strength and conditioning for athletes. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, our podcast dives deep into proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories to help you excel. From advanced sprint mechanics to innovative strength techniques, we’ll give you the tools to reach peak performance. Get Weekly Speed Coaching Here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-page Format & Topics: Weekly episodes featuring: • Expert interviews with coaches and athletes in San Portland. • Tips for optimizing speed and strength for team sports. • Discussions on cutting-edge research in sports science. • Practical advice for athletes and coaches to apply immediately.

Welcome to The Sam Portland Podcast, hosted by Sam Portland. The creator of The Sports Speed System.  Join us in Sam Portland as we explore the cutting edge of speed training and strength and conditioning for athletes. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, our podcast dives deep into proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories to help you excel. From advanced sprint mechanics to innovative strength techniques, we’ll give you the tools to reach peak performance. Get Weekly Speed Coaching Here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-page Format & Topics: Weekly episodes featuring: • Expert interviews with coaches and athletes in San Portland. • Tips for optimizing speed and strength for team sports. • Discussions on cutting-edge research in sports science. • Practical advice for athletes and coaches to apply immediately.

Welcome to The Sam Portland Podcast, hosted by Sam Portland. The creator of The Sports Speed System.  Join us in Sam Portland as we explore the cutting edge of speed training and strength and conditioning for athletes. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, our podcast dives deep into proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories to help you excel. From advanced sprint mechanics to innovative strength techniques, we’ll give you the tools to reach peak performance. Get Weekly Speed Coaching Here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-page Format & Topics: Weekly episodes featuring: • Expert interviews with coaches and athletes in San Portland. • Tips for optimizing speed and strength for team sports. • Discussions on cutting-edge research in sports science. • Practical advice for athletes and coaches to apply immediately.

Welcome to The Sam Portland Podcast, hosted by Sam Portland. The creator of The Sports Speed System.  Join us in Sam Portland as we explore the cutting edge of speed training and strength and conditioning for athletes. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, our podcast dives deep into proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories to help you excel. From advanced sprint mechanics to innovative strength techniques, we’ll give you the tools to reach peak performance. Get Weekly Speed Coaching Here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-page Format & Topics: Weekly episodes featuring: • Expert interviews with coaches and athletes in San Portland. • Tips for optimizing speed and strength for team sports. • Discussions on cutting-edge research in sports science. • Practical advice for athletes and coaches to apply immediately.

This hamstring framework has worked for me time and time again. I hope you can take alot from this episode. Want to be come an insider? Join here: https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-page

As a coach, it is important to target, highlight and make significant changes in the qualities you want to effect. Most coaches DON'T DO THAT! BECOME AN INSIDER:https://www.speedbysportland.com/sports-speed-insider-page

Yes...we are back and here is why I'm looking forward to having some amazing conversations!

Scott and Sam discussed the challenges of work-life balance in the digital age, emphasising the need to set boundaries and prioritise personal time. They also talked about the importance of innovation in coaching and the challenges of managing an athlete's training program. The conversation highlighted the need for a holistic approach to exercise and rehab that takes into account the root cause of problems and the individual needs of each athlete. Scott and Sam also discussed the importance of understanding the mechanisms of injury for athletes and how this knowledge can inform training programs. They emphasized the need to focus on developing an athlete's overall athleticism and addressing any deficits they may have, rather than just their sport-specific skills. The conversation also touched on the importance of the visual and vestibular systems in movement, and the need to optimise these systems for optimal performance and injury prevention. Overall, the meeting emphasised the importance of a holist

Join us on a hot summers day talking shop on all things coaching, business and life. This podcast was recorded live and the Legacy Annual Retreat. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/samportlandpodcast/message