Episode 99 of The Layback Podcast welcomes Chloe Walker as she shares her journey from a high school student looking for something to do, to her current role as the Director of Pitching Development and Baseball Operations at Gardner Webb University. Chloe shares her passion for baseball analytics and massive personal growth she has experienced thus far in her short career. She discusses the importance of data interpretation in player development, the challenges of overcoming skepticism towards analytics, and the balance between team success and individual player development. Chloe also reflects on her transition from professional baseball (New York Mets / Baltimore Orioles organizations) to college coaching, the baseline needs of building an analytics department on a budget, and the significance of curiosity and problem-solving in the field. The conversation concludes with insights into the differences between pro and college baseball, and a light-hearted moment about her beloved shelter dog, Lucy.

Denton Sagerman, Assistant Coach for the University of Indiana Hoosiers baseball program, steps in for episode 98 of The Layback Podcast. His unique role on staff includes heading up player development, assisting the pitching staff, overseeing the catchers, and working deeply on scouting and analytics. Given Sagerman's background in aerospace engineering, naturally the conversation goes a mile deep on pitch design, arsenal creation, and ball flight. Later in the show, conversation spans into the rehab and development realms, discussing the individual characteristics and needs that must to be considered in throwing programs. Capping things off, Sagerman outlines IU's high hopes for the upcoming 2026 season addresses the departure of Dustin Glant and recent hire of Matt Myers.

Layback host, Adam Moreau, runs through a few points from the Nextbase presentation at the 2025 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar that needed some special attention. Two specific topics got the most love in the episode - the supposed second valgus load of the elbow, or ghost torque, and the lower moment of inertia (MOI) ball for spin development and training. These two topics are both novel and unique, thus they deserved their own dedicated time.

The Layback Podcast (episode 96) once again welcomes back Josh Hejka for a part 2 of discussing insights and takeaways from the 2025 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar. This year's topics included a significant focus on biomechanics, feedback loops, problem definition, decision-making criteria, and performance data. Hejka and host, Adam Moreau, provide look back at the first half of the seminar and provide a comprehensive overview of the modern player development strategies discussed at the seminar, while offering some banter and opinions along the way.

The Layback Podcast (episode 95) welcomes back Josh Hejka to discuss insights and takeaways from the 2025 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar. This year's topics included a significant focus on biomechanics, feedback loops, problem definition, decision-making criteria, and performance data. Hejka and host, Adam Moreau, provide look back at the first half of the seminar and provide a comprehensive overview of the modern player development strategies discussed at the seminar, while offering some banter and opinions along the way.

The Layback Podcast presents a panel discussion including Layback alumni and pro pitchers Josh Hejka (free agent), Aiden May (Marlins), and Dawson Netz (Cubs), as well as Wake Forest Friday night arm, Blake Morningstar. The conversation positions players with the power, as they share with coaches/professionals in the industry about what data means to them, how they want to be approached, and how they can be empowered in the development process. The guys discuss the application and adoption of FlexPro Grip, a device aimed at reducing UCL injuries in baseball players. The panel discusses the importance of player experiences, the role of data in training, and the necessity of building trust between players and coaches. They emphasize individualized training approaches while balancing the need for a global understanding of player development. The panel also highlights the significance of collaboration in the development process and the importance of making information accessible to players for their growth and success.

Anthony Casciola, founder of Casciola Performance and "the labrum isn't real" movement, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 93. The conversation delves into the critical aspects of athlete recovery post-surgery, emphasizing the importance of confidence and communication between athletes and their support teams. It highlights the challenges in measuring an athlete's confidence, going beyond what we can objectively track and addresses the necessity for open dialogue to ensure a successful recovery process. Of course, we talked about Casciola's love for memes as well.

The Layback Podcast (episode 92), features Hayden Lewis, a senior right-handed pitcher with University of Washington. Lewis shares his journey as a college baseball pitcher, discussing his experiences at various universities (University Arizona, and New Mexico State prior to Washington), overcoming injuries, and the mental resilience required in sport. He delves into the differences in his rehab processes across his two elbow surgeries, his development journey, and the importance of strength training and movement patterns. Hayden also sheds light on how his love of golf has led to some breakthroughs with his mental game. Although his role with the Huskies in the 2026 season is undefined, Hayden remains determined to make the most of his final year of college ball.