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In this episode, we welcome Strength Coach Jim Ferris. Jim is known for his work in the basketball community from training with the Philadelphia 76ers for many years and training several NBA players that live their offseason in the Philadelphia area. We discuss how to adapt your training for performance and recovery metrics and identify weak links in training protocols. We also dive into where most athletes fail to focus on for their off-season training, and how playing the long game is the key to a sustainable and injury-free career.  We also discuss the challenges in youth development in sports and the success of your training is completely individual.    Episode Overview:  3:14 How To Adapt Training Based On Performance and Recovery 8:30 Balance Old-School Training Work Ethic Vs. Modern Approaches  12:30 Identifying Weak Links In Training & Working With Other Trainers 18:20 How To Get The Most Out Of Your Summer Training  22:40 Where Athletes Should Focus On Training 27:00 Balancing Life and Training 29:16 Playing The Long Game In Training 33:20 The Individuality Of Training 35:54 What Does Basketball Do Right and Wrong? 39:47 Challenges In Youth Development and Training 45:47 Redefining Success In Training 53:30 What Struggles Do You See With Modern Athletes?    Connect with Jim at https://gymferris.com/ To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit My  YouTube for additional content

In this episode, I sit down with Christian Burrus and Jeremy Tucker from Adapt Fitness, an app for customized training programs from top hockey performance experts. We talk about setting your training goals as an athlete based on your needs from the game, how Adapt Fitness can help fill gaps in various aspects of your athletic training, how to manage the stress of all the moving parts in maintaining your health and the game, and how to manage the tradeoffs between training and sleep. We also dive into why you should be customizing your training specific to your goals and needs, how to draw inspiration from the previous generation of athletes, and why education on all aspects of your training is the key to being a great athlete.  Episode Overview:  2:00 - Welcoming Christian and Jeremy 3:45 - What is Adapt Fitness 8:45 - Setting Your Training Goals 11:30 - Why Athletes Need Extra Support 18:00 - Managing the Stress of All the Moving Parts 22:00 - Tradeoffs in Your Training 24:45 - Why You Should Customize Your Training 30:00 - Taking Inspiration From the Previous Generation of Athletes 38:00 - Education and a Growth Mindset 44:00 - Comparing Training Around the World 47:00 - Training for Amateur vs. Professional Athletes 52:00 - Adapt Success Stories 57:00 Conclusion   Visit https://www.adaptfit.io/ to learn more about Adapt Fitness App      To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit My  YouTube for additional content

In this episode I am joined by Sam Whiting, a human potential specialist, to discuss all things breathwork. Sam talks about his journey as an alpine ski racing athlete and how he came to discover breathwork in his training, how to gain the ability to notice your nervous system and why breathwork is a powerful tool for wellness. Sam talks about the importance of training your breathing muscles, and the different types of breathwork practices, and teaches some tools accessible to everyone when starting with breathwork. We also dig into the impacts of chronic mouth breathing, the connection between your breath, your physiology, and your psychology, and how you can use breathwork to help influence your state of being.   Sam's Jackson Hole Winter Experience - https://www.samuelwhiting.com/jackson Free Week Of Passes Available Here Edge Theory Labs - Use Promo code "WhitingEnergy" For A Discount  Visit Sam at https://www.samuelwhiting.com/      To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content       Episode Overview:  10:30 Why Breathwork? 22:00 Training Your Breathing Muscles 26:00 Inhale vs Exhale 29:30 Different Types of Breathing Practices 35:30 Using Breathwork in Your Daily Life 47:00 Chronic Mouth Breathing 51:00 Breathwork and Physiology 57:00 Adaptability Through Your Habits 1:00:00 How to Work With Sam

In this episode, I recap what the last few months have looked like and some of my strategies for adopting a growth mindset. I dig into the concept of DIIG: Desire, Intent, Imagination, and Grind, and how I use these concepts to fuel my growth as a professional hockey player. I walk through some of the ways that I support healthy dopamine levels to fuel my desire, including cold exposure, vagal tone, taking phone breaks, and creating variations within my routine. I also talk about the mindset I take to prevent burnout, how to ask yourself questions in order to find solutions to your game, as well as how to effectively put your plans into place.   Timeline: 3:35 Growth Mindset 6:30 How Desire Leads to Improvement 16:00 Dopamine and Athleticism 23:00 Working Hard to Make Things Easy 27:00 Preventing Burnout as an Athlete 32:30 Using Intent in Practice 35:00 Using Imagination to Find Solutions 42:20 Putting Your Plans Into Place 50:30 Conclusion   To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit My  YouTube for additional content  

In this episode I sit down with J.B. Spisso to chat about career design, mental wellness, performance and what it looks like at the highest level. J.B. is a veteran of the US Armed Forces, leadership and culture expert, and author of the Warrior Leadership: Steps to Success for Leaders on the Ground. J.B. opened up about his decision to join the military and some of the parallels between the military and athletes in terms of setting and maintaining high standards and short term goals. We spoke about some of the examples of leadership in the locker room, how to pick yourself back up after defeat, some of our tools for mental wellness, and the importance of enjoying the journey that is your life.    Episode Overview: 0:00 Welcoming JB Spisso 5:00 Joining the Military 9:00 High Standards and Short Term Goals 3:30 Leadership in the Locker Room 21:00 Repairing Bruised Belief 30:00 Tools for Mental Wellness 41:30 Lessons From Combat 49:00 Understanding Your Needs 58:00 Conclusion   Instagram @ jbspisso Website: https://www.jbsleaders.com/   To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content

In this episode, we welcome Frankie Corrado, a professional hockey defenseman and former teammate of mine from the Toronto Maple Leafs. We took a trip down memory lane remembering our journeys into the professional hockey space and joining the OHL before becoming teammates on the Toronto Maple Leafs. We talked about the struggles of transitioning from junior hockey to the NHL, the ways that luck works for or against you, how we build mindfulness into our day, and battling through injuries.    Timestamps: 0:00 Welcoming Frankie Corrado 2:00 Frankie’s Hockey Origin Story 6:00 Joining the OHL 14:30 Transition from Junior Hockey to NHL 20:45 Luck of the Draw in the Game 31:30 Reviewing Your Old Plays 37:30 Building a Mindfulness Practice 43:30 Battling Injuries 52:00 Building Mental Toughness 55:00 Don’t Rim the Puck 1:05:30 Working with TSN   To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content

In this episode, I sit down with Sylvie Tetrault, sports nutritionist, about all things nutrition for athletes. We discuss her experience working with Gary Roberts and the NHL, the importance of good nutrition, systems or habits you can implement to help you achieve your nutrition goals, and staple foods to have on hand. We reflected on the changes in food systems that have led to food intolerances, and why the quality of food you eat is important. She breaks down why fasting may not be beneficial for all athletes and the cyclical nature of athletes, how to wind down after a late-night game, and why you should take responsibility for your own health.   Episode Overview: 0:00 Welcoming Sylvie Tetrault 0:30 Working with Gary Roberts 8:30 Foundational Basics of Nutrition 12:00 Systems for Effortless Results 16:15 Staple Foods to Keep on Hand 20:30 Foods that Get a Bad Rep 24:00 Fasting Practices as an Athlete 31:13 The Cyclical Nature of Athletes 48:30 Taking Responsibility For Your Own Health 56:15 Foundational Supplements for Athletes 1:07:00 Conclusion   Sylvie’s Instagram: @Sylvietetrault Find Sylvie at Gary Robert’s Performance: https://garyrobertsperformance.com/sports-nutrition/  Email: info@sylvietetrault.com    To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content  

In this episode, I sit down with a former teammate and NHL veteran, Aaron Volpatti, high-performance coach and author-to-be. We spoke about Aaron’s story of adversity and perseverance that got him into the NHL, his relationship with high-stress environments and tolerance to pain, working through the fear of failure, and how to use the power of visualization to get to where you want to be.   For more information on Aaron’s work, check out: https://www.aaronvolpatti.com/   Episode Overview:  0:00 Welcoming Aaron Volpatti 1:00 Aaron’s NHL Origin Story 18:00 High-Stress Environments and Pain 23:00 Using Visualization to Get Into the NHL 29:00 What is Visualization 36:00 Getting Started with Visualization 43:00 The Fear of Failure 47:45 How to Stay in a Flow State  50:45 Adversity is an Opportunity for Growth 53:30 Looking at the Bigger Picture 57:00 Wat Aaron is Most Proud Of 58:30 Conclusion   To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content    

In this episode, we welcome former national taekwondo champion and founder of Pain Station, David Arsenault. We discuss how to find joy in the process of showing up every day to training, leaning into adversity, the importance of remaining consistent in your effort as an athlete, and how physical literacy can improve your life.   For more information on David’s work, check out: https://www.championsforlife.ca/   Episode Overview:  0:00 Welcoming David Arsenault 5:00 David’s Origin Story 12:00 Finding Joy in the Process 22:00 The Birth of Pain Station 28:00 Being Consistent in Your Effort as an Athlete 32:00 Bringing Personal Values Into Your Game 40:00 The Importance of Physical Literacy 57:00 Conclusion   To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content

In this episode, I sit down and reflect on this season so far as well as my brief experience being called up to the Seattle Kraken. We chat about my experience of how not to engage with NHL referees, the elements that make up a strong hockey team, working through minor injuries, and how my meditation practice has allowed me to lean further into my practice as an athlete.   Episode Overview: 2:40 Introduction 4:00 Schedule Disruptions 7:45 How Not to Engage with Referees 16:45 Elements of a Strong Team 22:40 Minor Injuries 29:00 Using Meditation to Improve my Game 39:00 Conclusion   To purchase my favorite Designs For Sport supplements visit www.connorcarrick.com  Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content  

How to surprise everyone to make the NHL, and then do it again, with the Ultimate edge finder and teammate, Liam O'Brien. In this episode, we discuss how adversity challenged Liam's growth and belief in himself, strategies that Liam uses to reflect let go and prepare for the next battle. We also discuss the evolution of the sport in youth, as well as, some secret stories from Hersey Bears during their time as roommates.    0:30 Introduction 1:57 Breakthrough In Washington 7:47 Favourite Memorabilia & First NHL Goal 10:36 First Stint In NHL & Challenge Of Being Send To Minors 17:45 How Liam Uses Writing To Reflect and Let Go 24:00 How Injuries Challenge You To Grow 34:36 Signing In Colorado & Playing In Arizona 39:40 What Gives Liam An Edge   43:18 The Power Of Belief 47:47 The Evolution Of Preparation Of Sport 1:02:02 How Connor Got In A Fight With An AHL Heavyweight 1:08:21 Stories From The AHL   Join our Curious Competitor Podcast Facebook Page. Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content Donate here to support our Podcast!

In this episode, we welcome Arizona Coyotes Performance Director Devan McConnell to the show. We discuss how to prepare for the demands of a training camp, how to approach training during a season, and the power of intention on meeting your goals. We also discuss specific considerations for the youth athlete, and why nutrition and recovery is key to performance.   0:12 Introduction 2:00 What Makes Devan Different?  6:30 How Devan Approaches Working With New Athletes? 9:20 Preparing For The Demands Of Camp 13:47 The Power Of Intent In Training 21:13 How To Approach In-Season Training  29:34 Considerations For Youth Athletes Off-Season Training 38:05 How To Find Balance in Training - On-ice Vs. Off-Ice  43:19 One Thing Devan Would Change In NHLer’s Approach  45:30 Recovery Techniques & Strategies  49:28 Nutrition in Youth Athletes & Mental Health  57:10 Creative Solution To A Training Restriction  1:00:00 Devan’s Favorite Success Story 1:03:57 Conclusion  Devan’s Book  Food What The Heck Should I Eat? Food Rules

A most skilled player amongst skilled players, offensive legend Robbie Schremp shares lessons learned as a former 1st round pick. We discuss the importance of coaching at the right time of development, how to play like a pro, and how to evolve your game to provide the most value to your team.  Episode Overview:  01:47 Robbie’s Origin Story  10:29 Right Coaching Right Time  12:20 Rob’s OHL Experience  22:20 Learning To Play Like A Pro & Dale Hunter  27:11 Rob’s Reflection Of Career 39:05 Evolving Your Game To Provide Value 42:15 What is Vision 44 & Why Teach? 51:10 What Did You Like About European Leagues? 1:03:00 Conclusion    44visionhockey.com  @44vision On instagram   Join our Curious Competitor Podcast Facebook Page. Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content Donate here to support our Podcast!

In this episode, we welcome Skills Coach, Brian Keane. We discuss what makes an elite hockey player elite in comparison to the average player. We talk about Brians's approach to training youth players, and how role players have a unique perspective on adversity. We talk about learning styles, what training looks like for NHL players in the offseason, and how to approach training holistically rather than just peaking for camp. In conclusion, we talk about Connor's weak points in his skill development and how he is working through it.   To connect with Brian visit: https://www.prodigy-hockey.com/     Episode Overview:  0:12 Introduction 2:15 What Makes An Elite Hockey Player? 3:45 What Makes An Average Player? 5:04 How Brian Approaches Training A Youth Player 7:15 The Skill Subtleties Of Some Star Players  10:45 What Can Star Players Learn From Role Players? 13:05 What Can Third and Fourth Liners Steal From Stars?  17:32 Collaborative Training  23:00 Brian’s Creative Approach To Training & Drills  27:55 Ecological Dynamics & Learning Styles  39:46 Favorite Drills That Emulate Game  44:00 What Does Training Look Like In Off-Season?  48:22 Peaking For An Event Vs. Holistic Preparation  52:04 What Is Something Brian Has Stopped Doing? 54:09 What’s Held Connor Back?  57:30 Conclusion   Join our Curious Competitor Podcast Facebook Page. Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content Donate here to support our Podcast!

After a long hiatus away from the microphone - I step back into the podcasting seat and discuss with you the reason for the break and update you with what I have been working on and battling with since the summer. We talk about my experience in Seattle for Training Camp, how I found an old pair of skates that helped me find my stride, how I improved my backhand play, and what it's been like playing in Charlotte. We also dive into the differences between AHL and the NHL, as well as my current nutrition, supplementation, and training approach. 0:12 Introduction 1:12 Why The Break  3:15 Training Camp In Seattle  5:22 My New (Old) Skates  11:58 Draisaitl and Improving Backhand Play 18:32 Training Camp Continued  27:14 Getting Sent Down To Charlotte / AHL 31:53 Examining Your Standards  35:15 Being A Leader and Difference Between AHL / NHL 39:05 Current Nutrition Approach  45:00 Supplementation  48:06 Current Training and Mindset Approach  56:36 Conclusion   Our Breath Collective Wave Red Light     Join our Curious Competitor Podcast Facebook Page. Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content Donate here to support our Podcast!

In this episode, I sit down and check in halfway through the off-season. We discuss our thoughts on the Expansion Draft and the stellar play of Islanders, Montreal, and Tampa during the playoffs. As well as, my thoughts approaching Free Agency, how I've been training and my nutrition, and my mindset approaching this coming season.    Episode Overview:  1:30 Expansion Draft 5:54 Thoughts on Islanders 8:49 Montreal Run 13:18 Tampa Bay Lightning  24:39 Approaching Free Agency 30:49 Skates and Training 33:48 Nutrition Approach 38:13 Sauna and Red Light Therapy 41:54 Supplementation   Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content Donate here to support our Podcast!

In this episode, we welcome Elisa Haggarty. Elisa is a Conscious Leadership Coach and the host of The School of Unlearning Podcast. In this episode, we discuss how life is actually happening for you not against you, how to consciously halt repeated drama patterns and allow yourself to feel feelings to completion. We break down what emotional literacy looks like in our lives, and how the experiences of our life have shaped our emotional intelligence. We decipher facts from the stories we tell ourselves, and we discuss how to unlearn the beliefs, stories, and patterns we developed throughout our lives.   Episode Overview:  4:11 How Life Is Happening For You 11:19 Repeated Drama Patterns  13:00 Feel Feelings To Completion 17:57 Emotional Literacy  21:44 Understanding Fact And Story 25:57 How Serious Is Suffering 31:00 Redefining What Health Looks Like 33:56 What is Unlearning? 40:00 How Do You Unlearn Beliefs, Stories, and Patterns  49:39 What Elisa Is Most Proud Of   You can connect with Elisa here Follow The School Of Unlearning On Apple Podcasts & Instagram     Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content Donate here to support our Podcast!

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Peter Russo. Peter is a Consultant for PRS Hockey that provides skill, video, and spiritual mentorship. We discuss redefining how to learn, the art to the game that is hockey, how to build your psyche and raise your potential by looking inward.    You can find Part 1 with Peter Russo Here   Join our Curious Competitor Podcast Facebook Page. Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content Donate here to support our Podcast!

In this episode, we welcome Peter Russo. Peter is a Consultant for PRS Hockey that provides skill, video, and spiritual mentorship. We discuss how committing to life and personal growth aids the sport you play, how to make extraordinary out of the most ordinary, how to stay focused on process, and how to live more consciously.    Join our Curious Competitor Podcast Facebook Page. Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content Donate here to support our Podcast!

In this episode, we welcome Cody Royle. Cody is an author and football coach. He's spent the last six years as the head coach of AFL Team Canada, the men's national program for Australian Rules football. Cody is a standout voice in how leadership propels teams to sustained success and now coaches other head coaches in elite sports, and now mentors over a dozen coaches in half a dozen different sports around the world. We discuss the struggles of being a head coach in any league and what it's like to be in the "hot seat" as a coach. How to navigate the management of player's emotions and psychology, decision making, and performance. Why future coaching can't be modeled with the traditional fear-based approach, but rather in safety, transparency, and emotional understanding.    Follow Cody on Social Media Instagram  Cody's Website Cody's Best Selling Book "The Tough Stuff"      Join our Curious Competitor Podcast Facebook Page. Follow Connor’s Instagram or Twitter Visit our YouTube for additional content Donate here to support our Podcast!