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Conquer Athlete Podcast

Conquer Athlete Podcast

Written by: Conquer Athlete
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About this listen

Get an uncensored deep dive into all things functional fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Coach Jason Leydon, Ryan Bucciantini & the rest of the Conquer Team give you a place where you can learn, grow, and laugh.2025 Conquer Athlete Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • CAP 280: Understanding your Gym's Avatar & The Future of Affiliate Programming
    Jan 1 2026

    In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the current state of affiliate programming in the fitness industry. They explore how the rise of standardized programming from major companies may be stifling creativity and individuality in gym programming. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the specific needs and demographics of gym members, referred to as the 'avatar', and how tailored programming can lead to better outcomes for clients. They also highlight the significance of simplicity in program design, arguing that effective training does not need to be complex. The conversation wraps up with a call to action for gym owners to focus on their ideal clients and create an environment that caters to their needs.

    Takeaways

    Affiliate programming may be killing creativity in gyms.
    Understanding your gym's avatar is crucial for success.
    Not all gym owners need to write their own programs.
    Tailored programming leads to better client outcomes.
    Simplicity in program design is often more effective.
    The fitness community thrives on variety and creativity.
    Gym owners should focus on their ideal clients.
    Negativity in feedback often comes from a loud minority.
    Effective training doesn't need to be complex.
    Consistency is key for client success.

    Topics

    The Future of Affiliate Programming
    Understanding Your Gym's Clientele

    Sound bites

    "Who is your ideal client?"
    "Complex doesn't mean good."
    "Harder doesn't mean better."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Banter
    03:56 The State of Affiliate Programming
    11:51 Understanding Your Gym's Avatar
    19:21 The Importance of Effective Programming
    25:12 Simplicity in Program Design

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    24 mins
  • CAP 279: Nuance in Stimulus-Driven Scaling with Tyler Cooke
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Jason Leydon, Tyler Cooke, and Ryan Bucciantini discuss various topics related to CrossFit, coaching strategies, and the future of fitness competitions. They delve into the reasons behind athlete dropouts from competitions, the importance of effective coaching, and the challenges of scaling workouts for different skill levels. The conversation emphasizes the need for coaches to be prepared and to understand the intended stimulus of workouts to better serve their athletes. They also touch on the significance of communication and trust between coaches and athletes, and the evolving landscape of the CrossFit Games.

    Takeaways

    Copenhagen's appeal during winter is highlighted.

    Coaches need to have a structured lesson plan for classes.

    Scaling workouts should focus on skill acquisition and not just regression.

    Trust between coach and athlete is crucial for effective training.

    The importance of understanding workout stimulus for proper scaling.

    California's reputation as a challenging location for events is discussed.

    Athlete dropout rates are influenced by logistics and timing of events.

    The CrossFit Games remain the pinnacle of fitness competitions.

    Effective communication is key to successful coaching.

    Coaches should prioritize athlete development over simply completing workouts.



    Topics

    Navigating the Future of CrossFit

    The Art of Coaching in Fitness

    Sound bites

    "Copenhagen's beautiful in the winter."

    "California is a dumpster fire."

    "The stimulus of this workout is X."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Host Introduction

    02:03 Discussion on Athlete Dropouts and Event Logistics

    05:20 The Future of CrossFit Games and Competitions

    08:26 Coaching Challenges: Stimulus-Driven vs. Skill-Driven Scaling

    17:14 Effective Communication and Trust in Coaching

    24:05 Conclusion and Future Topics

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    23 mins
  • CAP 278: From Off-Season to Competition: A Training Journey with Tyler Cooke
    Nov 27 2025

    In this episode of the Conquer Alley podcast, hosts Tyler Cooke, Jason Leydon, and Ryan Bucciantini engage in a lively discussion about the transition from off-season training to competition preparation. They explore the mental and physical challenges athletes face when ramping up their training intensity, the importance of building a strong foundation, and effective programming strategies for long-term success. The conversation also touches on nutrition, recovery, and the mindset needed to thrive in competitive environments.

    Takeaways

    Transitioning from off-season to competition requires mental adjustment.

    Building back strength and endurance is a gradual process.

    Athletes must manage their expectations during training ramp-up.

    Base building is crucial for long-term athletic success.

    Programming should focus on volume before intensity.

    Nutrition plays a key role in recovery and performance.

    Mental resilience is as important as physical training.

    Athletes should embrace the boring aspects of training for growth.

    Long-term development requires patience and commitment.

    Effective coaching is essential for athlete progression.



    Topics

    From Off-Season to Competition: A Training Journey

    Building Strength: The Athlete's Path to Success



    Sound bites

    "The strongest foundation is key."

    "Winning is never boring."

    "Boring is a mindset choice."



    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Light Banter

    02:58 Transitioning Back to Training

    05:50 Building Back Strength and Endurance

    08:48 Managing Mental and Physical Expectations

    12:00 Fatigue Management and Recovery Strategies

    14:30 Ramping Athletes Back Up

    18:01 Building Dynamic Volume and Efficiency

    22:35 The Importance of Base Building

    28:04 The Ugly Side of Training

    29:49 Mindset and Long-Term Progress

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    29 mins
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