Unlocking the Secrets of Elite MMA Conditioning with Dylan Lemery | Building a Fighter PodcastIn this episode of the Building a Fighter podcast, Dr. Austin Schoen is joined by Dr. Dylan Lemery DPT CSCS. The discussion delves into Dylan's origin story, his unique 'DL difference' in training methodologies, and the ways he builds resilience and elite performance in his athletes. The podcast covers topics such as the importance of consistent training, advanced conditioning techniques, the integratio...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 2 min
The Science of Weight Cutting and Nutrition in Combat Sports with Alex Lamond | Building a Fighter S2 E1 In the premiere episode of Building a Fighter Season 2, Dr. Austin Schoen is joined by Alex Lamond, a sports dietitian from Australia. They discuss the intricacies of weight cutting, nutrition strategies for combat sports, and how individual needs shape the dietary plans for athletes. Alex shares his experience working with Australian boxers, Muay Thai champions, and Jiu Jitsu national champi...
Jan 27, 2025•57 min
Exploring Red Light Therapy with Kineon CEO Forrest Smith | Building a Fighter Podcast In this episode of the Building a Fighter Podcast, Dr. Austin Schoen sits down with Forrest Smith, CEO of Kineon, to delve deep into the world of red light therapy. They discuss Forrest's background in sports and technology, the science behind red light and near-infrared (NIR) therapy, and the innovative Kineon Move Plus device. They also explore practical applications of red light therapy for injury recovery,...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Dr. Austin Schoen, a sports chiropractor, strength coach, and wrestling coach based in Scottsdale, Arizona, hosts Christina Chu, a registered dietitian from Chicago, on the Building of Fighter Podcast. Christina specializes in working with combat sports athletes and offers remote nutrition counseling. They discuss the differences between a dietitian and a nutritionist, effective meal strategies for fighters, the importance of nutrient timing and hydration, and the role of supplements. Christina ...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Unlock Personal Growth and Performance: Mindfulness, Breathwork, and Emotional Healing Join Dr. Austin Schoen and expert guests in this transformative episode of the 'Building a Fighter' podcast. Delve into the powerful practices of breathwork, emotional healing, and mindfulness to unlock profound personal growth and athletic performance. Learn how reprogramming your mind and maintaining high vibrations can lead to a fulfilling life. Discover techniques like triactive breath, 4-7-8 breathing, an...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Inside the Mind of MMA Fighter Henry Corrales | Building a Fighter Podcast Join Dr. Austin Schoen as he sits down with Henry Corrales, Bellator superstar and seasoned MMA fighter. In this in-depth conversation, Henry opens up about his journey from a late start in MMA to becoming a top fighter in Bellator. They discuss the importance of a growth mindset, structured training, recovery strategies, and maintaining a competitive edge. Whether you're an aspiring fighter or a seasoned pro, this episod...
Sep 16, 2024•51 min
Building a Championship Culture with Coach Dustyn Azure - Insights from Eastern Oregon University Join Dr. Austin Schoen, sports chiropractor and strength coach, as he sits down with Dustyn Azure, head wrestling coach at Eastern Oregon University. In this episode, they discuss the critical elements of building a successful athletic program from the ground up. Dustyn shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Montana to becoming a national champion coach. They explore the importance of...
Sep 02, 2024•51 min
Building a Fighter: Introducing Sid Pearce and Expanding Our Impact In this episode of Building a Fighter, Dr. Austin Schoen introduces Sid Pearce, the new co-owner of Building a Fighter, who has been managing their Instagram for the past 6-8 months. The episode covers Sid's background in sports and fitness, his journey to becoming a firefighter, and his expertise in social media management. They discuss the importance of authenticity in personal branding, especially for fighters and coaches, an...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Mastering Training: Finding Focus, Routine, and Discipline Join Dr. Austin Schoen and Alex Friedman as they delve into the complexities of preparing for a training session. In this insightful conversation, they discuss different approaches to getting mentally ready, the importance of having a routine, and the challenges of maintaining focus. Whether it's treating the training mat as sacred ground or incorporating fun and carefree moments, they share valuable tips on how to stay disciplined. List...
Aug 12, 2024•40 min
Top 5 Wrestling Techniques for MMA Success | Building a Fighter Welcome back to Building a Fighter! In this episode,we dive deep into the world of wrestling techniques that translate seamlessly from the mat to the MMA cage. Learn the most effective moves including underhooks, body locks, single legs, wrist rides, and knee slides. Austin and Alex break down each technique, providing insights on execution and real-world applications. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their wrestling skills for...
Aug 06, 2024•41 min
Freestyle Talk on MMA Fighters, Training, and Philosophy - Building a Fighter Dive into an unscripted and lively discussion with Alex and Austin as they share their favorite MMA fighters and dissect what makes them stand out. Topics range from the fight IQ of stars like Robert Whittaker and Max Holloway to the unique styles of up-and-comers like Ilia Topuria. The conversation flows seamlessly into broader themes of fight preparation, training strategies, and life skills outside the ring. Tune in...
Jul 29, 2024•56 min
Unveiling the Secrets of Effective Leadership in Sports and Beyond Join Dr. Austin Schoen and Alex Friedman as they dive deep into the principles of leadership in this episode of 'Building a Fighter.' From defining what leadership is, to discussing the attributes of effective leaders, to addressing common pitfalls, this conversation covers it all. Learn about the importance of authenticity, consistency, positive communication, and delegation in leadership roles within sports and other fields. Di...
Jul 22, 2024•46 min
Debunking Sports Specific Training: Myths, Facts, and Best Practices | Building a Fighter Join Dr. Austin Schoen, a sports chiropractor from Scottsdale, Arizona, and strength coach Alex Friedman from Denver, Colorado, as they dive into the highly debated topic of sports specific exercises in strength and conditioning. Addressing the controversy, they explore whether sport-specific training exists, how to apply it effectively, and the balancing act between specific and general exercises. With ins...
Jul 15, 2024•35 min
Top Underrated Strength & Conditioning Movements for MMA Part 2 Welcome back to another episode of Building a Fighter with Dr. Austin Schoen, sports chiropractor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Alex Friedman, strength coach in Denver, Colorado. In this part two, we discuss the top five movements and concepts that can elevate your strength and conditioning for combat sports. From innovative med ball techniques to kettlebell swings, isometric contrasts, and extensive plyometrics, this episode is p...
Jul 08, 2024•40 min
Maintaining Fitness for Masters Combat Athletes: Strength, Endurance, and Longevity Tips Join Dr. Austin Schoen, a sports chiropractor based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Alex Friedman, a strength coach and part-time samurai, as they discuss essential fitness tips for recreational combat sports athletes over the age of 35-40. This episode dives into the importance of consistency, creating a fitness routine, and prioritizing health and longevity for those who want to stay active in jiu-jitsu, kickb...
Jul 01, 2024•29 min
Common Ailments in MMA Fighters: Tips & Tricks to Mitigate Pain | Building A Fighter Podcast Join us as we discuss the common ailments faced by fighters, from professional to amateur and recreational players. In this episode, we delve into issues like hamstring tightness, chronic elbow pain, low back problems, and the significance of shoulder and AC joint health. Learn about potential causes, signs to watch out for, and practical advice on how to mitigate these issues. Whether you're experie...
Jun 25, 2024•54 min
Mastering MMA Conditioning: Energy Systems, Training Methods, and Fight Camp Programming In this episode of 'Building a Fighter,' Dr. Austin Schoen and strength coach Alex Friedman dive into mastering MMA conditioning. They discuss the three primary energy systems—aerobic, lactic, and alactic—and how to properly train each one to enhance MMA performance. Learn about the univariable, multivariable, and sports-specific approaches to conditioning, and how to apply these methods through various stag...
Jun 18, 2024•55 min
The Coaching Journey: How to Become a Great Strength Coach Join us as we discuss the journey of becoming a great coach. From exploring the start of our careers, navigating through different phases, gaining experience, and continually progressing, we share insights on what it takes to thrive in the industry. We highlight the significance of formal education, practical experience, the importance of effective communication, and critical evaluation of one's environment. Learn how to elevate your coa...
Jun 11, 2024•41 min
Join Dr. Austin Schoen and Alex Friedman as they delve into essential coaching techniques, from effective communication and tactical drills to understanding athlete feedback and enhancing practice routines. Elevate your coaching game with actionable strategies and insights tailored for both beginners and elite athletes. 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Today's Topic: Elevating Your Coaching Game 00:52 Importance of Cueing 02:04 Types of Cueing: Intrinsic and Extrinsic 03:57 Application of Cueing in Coac...
Jun 03, 2024•56 min
This episode delves into the intricate fight IQ aspects of grappling within MMA, featuring insights from Dr. Austin Schoen and strength coach Alex Friedman. Explore the dynamics of MMA wrestling, traditional wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as they discuss strategies for minimizing risk and maximizing reward in a fight. From the importance of setups and distance control to understanding the subtleties of cage wrestling and the mental game, this talk covers essential tactics and philosophies f...
May 27, 2024•33 min
Unlocking the Strengths of Combat Sports: A Personal Insight Join Dr. Austin Schoen and Alex Friedman as we delve into the transformative power of combat sports in 'Unlocking the Strengths of Combat Sports: A Personal Insight'. Explore our journey and firsthand experiences in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Denver, Colorado, sharing key strengths that make combat athletes exceptional. From boosting confidence and fostering accessibility to enhancing adaptability, mental toughness, and embracing vulnera...
May 20, 2024•40 min
In this episode of "Building a Fighter” we discuss common deficiencies in combat sports athletes. They delve into the importance of physical deficiencies, particularly in the areas of foot and ankle stability, and scapulo-thoracic range of motion. They speak about how these deficiencies affect movement, posture, and overall performance, and share their strategies for addressing these issues, such as specific exercises, mobility work, and plyometrics. They also highlight the importance of progres...
May 13, 2024•52 min
In this episode of Building a Fighter, we delve into the differences between individualized and team-based training sessions. We examine the whole spectrum, not just strength conditioning, sharing our diverse experiences. We discuss the importance of self-starters in both contexts and the traps athletes can fall into when training in a team or individually. We also touch on the necessity of being a follower before becoming a leader, and the concept of athletes as business owners, responsible for...
May 06, 2024•42 min
In this episode of "Building a Fighter", we return with more hot takes on strength training for fighters. We delve into the importance of calf and ankle training, highlighting its significance in enhancing rigidity, power, and propulsion. We explore the benefits of exercises like jump roping and seated calf raises, while also discussing the importance of training the anterior chain. There is also an emphasis on the necessity of hiring a sports dietician before a strength coach, affirming that nu...
Apr 23, 2024•56 min
In this episode, we discuss the unforgettable Holloway vs Gaethje fight at UFC 300, exploring the significance of this event for both the fighters and the spectators. In addition to discussing specific bouts, we also touch on the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in the fighting world. We delve into the different approaches athletes take to their craft, from the focused and intense, to the laid-back and playful. Alex shares his experiences from the corner and his approach to coaching...
Apr 17, 2024•44 min
In this episode of "Building a Fighter," we discussed the importance of warmups, cooldowns, and mobility work. We emphasized that warmups are crucial to prepare the body for the workout and increase body temperature, which makes muscles more pliable. We also discussed various warmup exercises from shadow boxing to jump roping. In contrast, cooldowns help transition the body from a high-energy workout state to a normal state, aiding in recovery. We encourage the incorporation of specific exercise...
Apr 09, 2024•27 min
In this episode of "Building a Fighter," we dive deep into the art and science of planning effective wrestling practices. We discuss the benefits of an 'ecological approach' to designing practice sessions. Our conversation focuses on creating drills that optimize learning, energy usage, and athlete progression, moving away from traditional formats of practice. We explore the importance of manipulating various constraints and variables within drills to facilitate self-guided learning for athletes...
Apr 01, 2024•59 min
In this podcast we discussed the valuable insights strength coaches can gain from becoming skill coaches, especially in MMA. We believe that understanding the sport on a deeper level allows us to be more thoughtful about our training strategies. We also emphasized the importance of a coach's ability to perform the exercises they're teaching, and the need for programming that reflects the specific demands of the sport. Ultimately, we concluded that having a foot in both strength and skill coachin...
Mar 25, 2024•25 min
In this episode of "Building a Fighter," Dr. Austin Schoen and strength coach Alex Friedman discuss the importance of minimal effective dosing in MMA training. We explore how it's about achieving adaptation without overtraining and how it varies from athlete to athlete. We stress the importance of hard work, understanding energy systems, and applying these concepts effectively in practice. Tune in for this informative discussion on MMA training strategies. Visit our Website at buildingafighter.c...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr
In this episode, we delved into the differences between training for mixed martial arts (MMA) and individual martial arts like wrestling and jiu-jitsu. We agreed that the rule sets of individual martial arts can be quite different from those of MMA, which can affect the strategies and techniques used. For instance, a move that works well in wrestling might not be as effective in MMA due to the change in rules and environment. We also touched on the importance of understanding the principles of e...
Mar 11, 2024•27 min
