"AAPCA: The Podcast" serves as the authoritative voice of the African American Performance Coaches' Association, offering deep insights, inspiring stories, and invaluable discussions within the realm of performance coaching. Hosted by Coach Proof, aka Larry Howard, and featuring prominent guests, each episode delves into the unique experiences, challenges, and successes of African American performance coaches. From sharing strategies for professional growth to exploring the intersection of race and coaching, AAPCA: The Podcast aims to empower, educate, and elevate both aspiring and seasoned coaches alike. Join us as we uncover the diverse perspectives that shape the future of performance coaching within the African American community and beyond.
Andrew Smith shares his journey from being overweight to becoming a strength and conditioning coach, emphasizing the importance of internships, mentorship, and continuous learning. He discusses the challenges and realities of the coaching profession, the evolution of coaching expertise, and the transition to the NFL. Andrew also provides insights on overcoming intimidation and the importance of being open, curious, and continuously learning in the coaching profession.
Takeaways
Importance of internships and mentorship in the coaching profession
Continuous learning and growth are essential in coaching
Overcoming intimidation and imposter syndrome in a new coaching environment
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Andrew Smith
01:34 Andrew's Journey to Strength and Conditioning
02:16 From Overweight to Strength and Conditioning
03:09 Discovering Strength and Conditioning Coaching
03:58 The Impact of Internships and Mentorship
04:15 The Importance of Internships
04:58 Coaching Tree and Strength Conditioning in Mississippi
05:16 Coaching Tree and Strength Conditioning in Mississippi (cont.)
05:43 Transition to University of Connecticut
06:23 Growth and Development at University of Connecticut
06:45 Freedom and Growth at University of Southern California
07:15 Empowerment and Trust in Coaching
08:07 Transition from University of Southern California to the NFL
09:11 Transition from University of Southern California to the NFL (cont.)
10:04 Success and Development in the Coaching Profession
11:17 Challenges and Realities of the Coaching Profession
11:43 Challenges and Realities of the Coaching Profession (cont.)
12:25 The Grind and Development in Coaching
13:13 The Grind and Development in Coaching (cont.)
15:16 The Evolution of Coaching Expertise
16:06 Continuous Learning and Growth in Coaching
17:01 Continuous Learning and Growth in Coaching (cont.)
29:39 Transition to the NFL and Overcoming Intimidation
31:00 Transition to the NFL and Overcoming Intimidation (cont.)
32:29 Conclusion and Contact Information
13 Feb 2026
Jeremy Hills
The conversation covers the journey of Jeremy Hills, from his early career to building a successful training business and adapting to the challenges of COVID-19. It highlights the themes of diversity in performance coaching and entrepreneurial aspirations, providing valuable insights into the world of professional training and career growth. The conversation covers the journey of an entrepreneur and performance coach, highlighting resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of a unique vision. It delves into the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategic decisions made to build a successful business. The speaker shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the importance of continuous learning.
Takeaways
Diversity in performance coaching
Entrepreneurial aspirations Resilience
Entrepreneurship
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and AAPCA Conference
08:17 Building a Training Business
15:00 International Exposure and Career Expansion
22:20 Adapting to COVID-19 and Business Opportunities
43:24 Adapting to Change and Taking Action
50:41 Qualifying Decisions and Pursuing Education
01:00:36 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
6 Feb 2026
Les Spellman part 2
In this podcast episode, Les Spellman discusses the misconceptions and practices in speed training, the priorities and preferences in speed training, structural assessment and training, managing work-to-rest ratio and frequency, and transitioning to off-season athletes. Key takeaways include the perception of speed training as highly technical and the importance of exposure to speed training for young athletes. The conversation delves into the importance of tailoring speed training for different sports, the significance of in-season speed training for injury prevention and performance, and the implementation of triphasic training for tissue skilled athletes.
Takeaways
Speed training is often perceived as highly technical, leading to misconceptions and avoidance.
Exposure to speed training is crucial for improvement, especially for young athletes. Speed training for different sports requires a tailored approach
In-season speed training is crucial for injury prevention and performance
Chapters
00:00 Transitioning to Off-Season Athletes
29:17 In-Season Speed Training and Injury Prevention
37:01 Triphasic Training and Tissue Skilled Athletes
30 Jan 2026
Richard Howell
The conversation covers the journey to strength and conditioning, the evolution of the industry, changes in the role of technology, the importance of critical thinking in coaching, and the impact of adaptability and work ethic in the field. The conversation delves into the importance of ethical values and faith in work, the transition to a head strength coach, and the significance of mentorship and continuous learning in professional development.
Takeaways
Adaptability in the face of changing management styles
The importance of hands-on experience and critical thinking in strength and conditioning Ethical values and faith
Continuous learning and preparation
Chapters
00:00 The Impact of Adaptability and Work Ethic
36:03 Mentorship and Continuous Learning
23 Jan 2026
Joshua Woods
The conversation covers the journey of Coach Joshua Woods, highlighting his divine connections, overcoming adversity, authenticity, and adaptability in coaching, as well as navigating career transitions. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and the value of staying true to oneself while navigating career changes. The conversation delves into the challenges and uncertainties faced by coaches in the NFL, highlighting the impact of player voice, career uncertainties, and the need for self-evaluation and improvement. It also explores the learning curve and implementation of sports science programs, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and professional development.
Takeaways
Overcoming adversity
Adaptability and resilience Adaptability in the NFL
Self-evaluation and improvement
Implementing sports science programs
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Divine Connections
08:13 Authenticity and Adaptability in Coaching
13:29 Navigating Career Transitions
40:53 Professional and Personal Development
16 Jan 2026
Coach Rock
The conversation with Christian "Rock" Van Buren covers his journey in the strength and conditioning industry, the challenges he faced, and the process of building a high-performance coaching brand. It emphasizes the importance of leveraging personal relationships, perseverance, and the athlete intake process. The conversation covers a range of topics related to athlete development, coaching philosophy, off-season training, internship programs, coaching challenges, vision and impact in the industry, community impact and representation, and the comparison between private sector and team sports. Christian "Rock" Van Buren shares insights into his comprehensive approach to athlete support, coaching philosophy, and the challenges and opportunities in the field of strength and conditioning.
Takeaways
Building relationships and leveraging personal connections is crucial for business growth.
The process of building a high-performance coaching brand involves leveraging personal relationships, creating an ecosystem, and seeking help from others.
The journey of perseverance and overcoming challenges is a common experience for strength and conditioning coaches. Holistic athlete development
Coaching philosophy
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and AAPCA Conference
13:10 Overcoming Challenges and Building Relationships
21:06 Building a High-Performance Coaching Brand
30:37 Comprehensive Athlete Support
39:17 Coaching Philosophy and Approach
44:24 Internship Program and Coaching Challenges
53:26 Vision and Impact in the Industry
01:02:36 Private Sector vs. Team Sports
2 Jan 2026
John Griffin
The conversation begins with an introduction and announcement of the AAPCA conference. John Griffin shares his background and career journey, discussing his transition from college to the professional setting. The discussion then focuses on his transition to the director role and building a program. Finally, John provides valuable advice for coaches and emphasizes the importance of networking and continuous learning for career advancement.
Takeaways
Networking is crucial for career advancement
Continuous learning and growth are essential for professional development
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and AAPCA Conference
08:24 Transition from College to Professional Setting
15:31 Transition to Director Role and Building a Program
23:37 Advice for Coaches and Networking
26 Dec 2025
Les Spellman
The conversation covers the introduction to the AAPCA conference, the journey to speed coaching, recruiting and athlete development, the business of speed coaching, the backstory and overcoming adversity, educating and building a team, and the future vision.
Takeaways
Athlete Development
Building a Team
Future Vision
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AAPCA Conference
05:21 The Backstory and Overcoming Adversity
12:14 Educating and Building a Team
31:06 The Future Vision
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