Welcome back to The Gap Podcast with Hitman Performance (Brett Hart) and Jacked Javelin (Dan). In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Paul, one of the most forward-thinking coaches in modern sports performance, to break down what it really means to become a “new athlete” in today’s era.
Athletes aren’t just lifting weights anymore— they’re training their nervous system, their tendons, their mindset, and their ability to absorb, redirect, and produce force at elite speeds. Ryan explains how training has evolved, what separates average from elite performers, and how young athletes can start building the foundation now.
If you're a coach, parent, or athlete who wants to understand the future of performance training, this episode is a must-watch.
What defines the “new athlete” in 2025 and beyond
Why neurology and nervous system training matter
Developing elastic strength, stiffness, and force absorption
How to structure training for long-term athletic development
Lessons from coaching high-level performers
Mindset shifts every athlete needs to make
Practical takeaways for youth, high school, and college athletes
The Gap dives deep into sports performance, neurology, elite training methods, and athlete development, featuring top coaches, researchers, and athletes from around the world. Hosted by Hitman Performance & Jacked Javelin.
Ryan PaulInstagram: @newathlete
Hitman Performance (Brett)Instagram: @bretthart__
Jacked Javelin (Dan)Instagram: @jackedjavelin
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Michael Jordan and Alex Hormozi may come from different worlds — one from the basketball court, the other from business — but both share the same hidden fuel: dopamine. In this episode, we break down why both men can be seen as dopamine addicts, and how their obsession with improvement, competition, and validation reveals the neuroscience of greatness.
We explore how dopamine drives ambition, why high achievers get hooked on progress itself, and what separates productive obsession from self-destructive addiction.
How dopamine controls motivation, focus, and the pursuit of goals
Why Michael Jordan’s competitive drive mirrors Alex Hormozi’s business obsession
The difference between discipline and dopamine addiction
How Hormozi’s “building is the reward” mentality reflects the same psychology as Jordan’s “I took that personally” mindset
What neuroscience says about the chase, the win, and the crash
How to use dopamine for sustainable success without burnout
Both Jordan and Hormozi thrive on the chase, not the finish line.
Dopamine doesn’t make you happy — it makes you crave more.
Jordan’s rivalries and Hormozi’s business sprints activate the same reward circuits in the brain.
They’ve turned addiction into productivity, mastering their chemistry rather than being ruled by it.
The dark side? Constant pursuit can lead to emptiness, burnout, and identity loss when the rewards fade.
Dopamine is the molecule of wanting, not having.
For Michael Jordan, every missed shot, insult, or slight triggered a biochemical mission — to prove something.
For Alex Hormozi, it’s building, optimizing, scaling, and repeating — not for money, but for the hit of progress itself.
Both men represent the ultimate dopamine loop:
Trigger → Action → Reward → Craving → Repeat.
They’re addicted not to outcomes, but to momentum.
When dopamine spikes, so does focus, creativity, and energy.
But when it crashes, the void hits hard — which is why the world’s most driven people often can’t stop.
They need a new goal, a new game, a new challenge.
That’s what makes them great — and what makes them restless.
This episode breaks down the balance between drive and contentment — how to channel dopamine like Jordan and Hormozi without burning out or losing fulfillment in the process.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:🔥 Key Takeaways:🧩 The Dopamine Loop:🧠 The Science of Drive:
Watch on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGapPod
In this episode of The Gap, Brett (Hitman Performance) and Dan (Jacked Javelin) sit down with elite decathlete Jason Rotger to break down what it truly means to train for ten different events—and how those principles translate directly into youth sports development.
We unpack the movement qualities every young athlete needs, why decathlete-style training creates unmatched speed and power, and how developing versatility early builds long-term athletic potential. Jason shares his approach to sprint mechanics, strength work, plyometrics, and the mindset required to handle a multi-event workload.
Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete looking to improve speed, coordination, and total-body performance… you’ll learn exactly how to train smarter, move better, and build the foundation for elite sport.
Check Us Out On YouTube! https://youtu.be/k7xIvfTAGWo
In this episode of The Gap #122, we sit down with Luke Dawson, better known as Throw Ched, to break down why today’s pitchers MUST become more athletic if they want to survive in the modern game. Velocity is skyrocketing, workloads are heavier, and injuries are at an all-time high — which means the old model of “just throw more bullpens” is officially dead.
Luke explains why rotational athletes need to train like sprinters, jumpers, and throwers, not bodybuilders or distance runners. We cover the movement qualities that actually translate to velocity: dynamic hip rotation, elastic power, javelin-inspired sequencing, and the ability to create force fast. If you’re a pitcher trying to increase velocity, reduce arm stress, and build a body that can handle a full season, this conversation gives you the blueprint.
We also discuss why siloed “pitching-only” development is holding athletes back, how poor athleticism limits mechanics, and what baseball can learn from javelin, track and field, and power-speed sports. Luke breaks down how he trains his athletes, the drills he prioritizes, and the gaps in the baseball development world that need to be fixed immediately.
✅ Topics Covered:
• Why pitchers must become better overall athletes
• Rotational power & elastic strength explained
• What baseball can learn from javelin throwers
• Speed, plyos, and sprint-based training
• How athleticism increases velocity & reduces injury
• Strength training that actually translates to the mound
• Throw Ched’s philosophy on building durable, explosive pitchers
• The future of baseball development in the high-velo era
Work with Jake Online: https://www.skool.com/lightning-lab-baseball-4703/about?ref=f6370453776e48ed8a2263b0db95f49e
Unlock the secrets behind long-term baseball development with Jake Oliger, one of the most forward-thinking throwing minds in the game. In this video, we break down the REAL roadmap for building elite velocity, durability, and longevity—while also exploring why Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation anomaly in today’s high-velocity era.
Whether you’re a pitcher, position player, or a coach trying to build athletes the right way, this episode dives deep into how training age, movement quality, rotational power, and arm-care consistency shape a player’s career trajectory. Jake explains why the best athletes don’t just stack velocity—they build a foundation of mechanics, adaptability, and athleticism that lasts.
We also analyze Ohtani’s unprecedented blend of biomechanics, athletic efficiency, and workload tolerance, and what actually separates him from typical MLB development paths. With Tommy John surgery becoming more common as velocities rise, we break down how to train smarter, develop rotational athletes sustainably, and protect the arm across an entire career.
If you’re serious about long-term baseball success—and you want a blueprint that works—this is a must-watch.
✅ Topics Covered:
• Long-term pitcher development
• Youth vs. elite training priorities
• Why Ohtani breaks every rule
• Velocity vs. durability
• Arm-care principles that actually matter
• How to build power without destroying the elbow
• Lessons from javelin, baseball, and rotational sports
Check out Paulies page:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCZyUJyr_JdKfzINkDRpIIWw
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In today’s episode, we sit down with Paulie Throws — one of the most influential young voices in the throwing community — to talk about how social media is saving the sport. From javelin and discus to shot put and hammer, the throwing world is evolving fast, and the digital era might be its only lifeline.
We break down how creators like Paulie are using content, storytelling, and authenticity to bring new energy to throwing events, inspire the next generation, and prove that track & field can thrive in the modern age — if it learns to leverage attention.
Why social media is the new stadium for throwers
How Paulie Throws built his platform and community
The power of short-form storytelling in niche sports
Why track & field is falling behind without digital creators
How to grow throwing culture through content and connection
The mindset behind sharing the process instead of just results
What throwing needs to survive in the algorithm era
Throwing isn’t dying — it’s just offline.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are giving throwers a global audience for the first time.
Social media doesn’t just promote athletes — it preserves the culture of throwing.
Paulie Throws shows how creators can make the sport relatable, raw, and entertaining.
The future of throwing belongs to those who can throw far and tell the story.
In the past, throwing was confined to meets, colleges, and training camps — moments that disappeared once the season ended.
Watch On Youtube: https://youtu.be/xrqrJPMqh2U
In this episode, Jacked Javelin takes the role of representing the javelin world, while Sam Weeks—from Throws University and Garage Strength—dives deep into the discus and shot put side of the throwing world. Together, they explore how these events overlap, where they differ, and how understanding all three can make you a more complete and intelligent thrower.This conversation goes beyond drills and technique—it’s about bridging the cultures, biomechanics, and coaching philosophies behind rotational and linear throwing. Whether you’re chasing big PRs in javelin, discus, or shot, this episode connects the dots between power, rhythm, and intent in elite throwing.🔥 Topics Covered:How rotational mechanics from discus and shot put carry over to javelinWhy posture, hip connection, and rhythm are universal throwing principlesThe biggest technical mistakes seen across each eventThe evolution of strength training at Throws University and Garage StrengthHow to train like an explosive athlete first and a thrower secondThe role of feel, patience, and proprioception in high-level throwingWhy collaboration between throwing communities matters more than ever💡 Key Takeaways for Throwers & Coaches:How to create transferable movement patterns between rotational and linear throwsWhy elastic strength and reactive timing are as important as max strengthHow throwers can adapt their lifting and technical sessions for crossover gainsWhat “bridging the gap” really looks like in practice—not just theoryWhy understanding multiple events can make you a better coach, athlete, and mover🎤 About the Guests:Sam Weeks – Throws coach and performance specialist with Throws University and Garage Strength. Sam has helped countless throwers develop elite-level power and technique through a blend of modern biomechanics, strength science, and practical coaching insight. His background in discus and shot put brings a rotational perspective to every conversation.Jacked Javelin – Representing the linear thrower’s lens, Jacked Javelin dives into how elasticity, whip, and sequencing define the javelin throw. Known for his detailed breakdowns, athlete interviews, and 1,000+ hours of coaching and podcasting experience, he brings the speed and precision mindset of javelin to this conversation.Together, they break down how the rotational and linear systems can learn from one another—and why the best throwers in the world are often hybrids of both.🏋️♂️ About Throws University & Garage Strength:Throws University is one of the leading educational platforms for throwers and coaches—offering world-class training systems, certification courses, and technical resources for the shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer throw.Garage Strength, led by Dane Miller, is renowned for developing Olympic-level athletes and refining explosive strength systems that translate directly to the throws.
Check us out on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Vp-P5hkR1go
Two of the most influential American javelin throwers of the modern era — Kara Winger and Ariana Ince — sit down to discuss the future of collegiate javelin and what it will take to elevate the event across the NCAA. In this episode of The Gap #118, we dive deep into the evolution of the javelin in the United States, the challenges young throwers face, and the opportunities that could redefine the sport for the next generation.Kara and Ariana break down how recruiting, coaching education, facilities, and competition structure all impact athlete development — plus the key technical foundations every college program should prioritize. From approach mechanics to power position clarity to staying healthy through high training loads, this conversation gives athletes, coaches, and parents a blueprint for long-term success.We also look at how the U.S. can close the gap with Europe, why javelin culture matters, and what future collegiate throwers need to understand about technique, training age, and sustainable progress. Whether you’re a high school recruit, a D1 thrower, or a coach trying to build a stronger program, this episode is packed with insights from two legends who’ve lived it.✅ Topics Covered:• The state of collegiate javelin in the U.S.• What NCAA programs need to improve• Technical pillars for long-term development• How to keep throwers healthy year-round• The difference between European & American systems• Kara Winger & Ariana Ince on building a true javelin culture• Training models that actually prepare athletes for the next level
Big Shout Out to Joe Frontier for hosting me on his "Podcast Throw Big Throw Far"
You can check them out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/throw-big-throw-far-podcast/id1449291795https://open.spotify.com/show/7cb5VPldkRtgvu74QfXjaH?si=8687bb28c504440c
The javelin throw is one of the most technical, powerful, and beautiful events in track and field — yet in over half the United States, it’s still illegal at the high school level. In this episode of Throw BIG Throw FAR, host Joe Frontier sits down with Dan Labbadia, the founder of Jacked Javelin, to talk about his nationwide mission to get javelin legalized and accessible in all 50 states.Dan shares how he’s been leading the Jacked Javelin Movement, building resources for athletes and coaches, and connecting the throwing community across the country. From developing safe, cost-effective ways to introduce the event, to highlighting success stories from states that have recently reinstated it — this episode dives deep into how to bring javelin back where it belongs: on every high school track.Learn how states like Iowa, where athletes like Mike Stein grew up without access to high school javelin, still produce world-class throwers through creativity, resilience, and coaching innovation. Dan explains what’s holding some states back, and the actionable steps that athletes, parents, and coaches can take to start advocating locally.We also talk about the growth of javelin education online, how hybrid programs like Velocity are helping throwers around the world train smarter, and how javelin can become a gateway to athletic development, community, and opportunity in the U.S. If you’re a coach, thrower, or parent who believes javelin deserves its spot in every state — this conversation is for you. Together, we can raise awareness, unify the throwing community, and help the next generation of athletes discover the power of the javelin.
Watch us on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@TheGapPod
In this special episode, we dive into The Gap origin story — how two performance coaches from completely different worlds came together to create a podcast built on curiosity, experimentation, and the pursuit of elite performance.
Dan, known online as Jacked Javelin, and Brett, the mind behind Hitman Performance, share how their paths crossed, what sparked the idea for The Gap, and the mission behind it all — bridging the divide between training theory and real-world application.
🎙️ In this episode:
How The Gap was born
The story behind “Jacked Javelin” and “Hitman Performance”
What they’ve learned from years of coaching and experimenting
The vision for the future of athlete development
This is where it all started — two coaches chasing better answers and closing the gap between science and sport.
Check Us Out On YouTube: https://youtu.be/pyocDxLIpZ8
In this episode of The Gap, we sit down with Range of Strength to break down a truth most lifters never want to hear: Strength is useless if you can’t move well.
You can chase bigger numbers, heavier loads, and harder sessions — but without quality mobility, none of it transfers where it actually matters. Range of Strength explains why mobility is the foundation, not an accessory.
The positions you can’t access are the strengths you’ll never express. If your joints don’t move well, your technique breaks down, your power leaks, and your progress stalls long before your potential is reached.
This conversation exposes the hidden limiting factors behind strength plateaus and gives athletes a clear blueprint for reclaiming their movement, unlocking real performance, and finally bridging the gap between “gym strength” and usable strength.
Watch on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGapPod
Dr. Jarod Burton joins the show to break down how he’s approaching a full Achilles rupture without surgery — using principles of neurology, impulse training, and nervous system regulation. We dive into how the brain drives recovery, why traditional rehab often misses the mark, and what it truly means to train the nervous system instead of just the muscles.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or therapist, this episode will challenge how you view injury, healing, and performance.
Topics include:
Neurological control and tissue repair
Impulse training methods for recovery
The mental side of non-surgical rehab
How to retrain the brain after trauma
Follow Dr. Burton’s journey @train__efficiently on Instagram as he rewires his body from the inside out.
Join Dan's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wannagetfast
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGapPod
Dan Fichter joins the show to dive deep into the world of Extreme Isometrics and how they can be used to enhance motor learning, coordination, and overall athletic performance. We break down the neurological principles behind isometric holds, how they influence the nervous system, and why they’re one of the most underrated tools for developing elite movement efficiency.
If you’re a coach, athlete, or anyone fascinated by the connection between strength and skill, this episode will change how you view training forever.
Topics include:
The science of motor learning through isometrics
Why “feeling” tension matters more than adding weight
How Jay Schroeder’s methods shaped this approach
Real-world application for athletes in every sport
Hope you enjoy!
Thanks for listening to the Gap!
Brady Volmering (aka DAC) is an outside the box thinker who approaches training through a very holistic style you might not often see. He is owner of DAC Performance and Health and has many clients return to play after a variety of injuries. Through impulses, depth drops, rebounds, and ISOs he does it all.
In this episode we go over:
- Training more than just the physical
- Lessons learned from Jay Schroeder
- Why minimal effective dose is flawed
- And so much more
Really enjoyed this talk and Brady's insight on both life and training. Hope you enjoy
Watch On Youtube! https://youtu.be/eN1yQlKwJT0
Nick DelBianco is the owner of Armswing academy where it's his mission to help volleyball athletes hit the ball harder while also staying injury free.In this episode we discuss:- Common injuries found in both javelin and volleyball- Is it overuse or underprepared?- Unique exercises to level up your arm care- Dangers of early specialization- and so much more
Buy Curtis Thompson's Book Here: https://a.co/d/6T6jc0z
Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/OQZmr0xNIGg
n this episode, we sit down with Curtis Thompson, one of the most accomplished American javelin throwers of all time — a 2x Olympian, NCAA Champion, and U.S. National Record holder contender. Curtis has represented the United States on the biggest stages in the world, but his journey goes far beyond the medals and distances.We dive deep into the realities of professional javelin throwing — the training, the mindset, the sacrifices, and what it truly takes to compete at the global level in one of track and field’s most demanding events. From growing up in New Jersey to becoming a U.S. Olympian, Curtis shares the full story of how he built himself into one of the most explosive throwers in America.
Check us out on YouTube! https://youtu.be/j-tlBWN_ct4
Sources Referenced:
Before shutting down hitters in the NLCS and World Series with back-to-back shutouts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was seen working with a turbo javelin, dialing in mechanics that mirror elite throwing patterns seen in track and field athletes. This video breaks down how javelin training can translate to elite pitching performance, helping pitchers improve their arm path, sequencing, and force transfer — all while reducing unnecessary stress on the elbow and shoulder.As MLB pitching velocity continues to rise, so do the rates of Tommy John surgery across the league. We’re seeing more pitchers than ever hit upper-90s velocity, but at the cost of increased UCL strain and overuse injuries. This clip looks at how Yamamoto’s hybrid approach — combining javelin-based movement drills with high-level throwing mechanics — could represent the next evolution in pitcher training and arm health.If you’re a baseball player, pitching coach, or performance coach trying to understand the balance between velocity and longevity, this is a must-watch.💥 Key Topics Covered: • Yamamoto’s turbo javelin warm-up and its benefits for arm speed • How javelin training improves throwing mechanics for pitchers • Why Tommy John surgery is rising alongside average MLB velocity • How rotational sequencing and mobility affect both power and health
Get the program here: https://www.hitmanperformance.com/product-page/the-hitman-training-formula-unlocking-explosive-power-through-schroeder-s-princ
Subscribe to our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGapPod
In this episode Dan interviews Brett on his thoughts behind Adam Archuleta's iconic training and how he was able to dominate his pro day.
Brett goes in depth on what he's learned by going down the rabbit hole of Jay Schroeder's principles and how they can be applied today.
Thanks for listening!
Watch On Youtube! https://youtu.be/eN1yQlKwJT0
Evan Blum (aka Juice factory) is a professional baseball player with a new outlook on life. In this episode we cover:
- The ups and downs of pro baseball
- Dealing with adversity
- What it means to be mentally tough
- Lessons from Fredrich Nietzsche
- and so much more
This was one of our favorite conversations to date and allowed us to get outside the weight room to talk about the mental side of sports performance. Hope you enjoy.
Thanks for listening to The Gap!
Check us out on YouTube https://youtu.be/yNVqu08641w
In the weight room, just like in life, confidence doesn’t always equal competence. This episode explores the Dunning–Kruger effect—the bias that makes beginners think they’ve “figured it all out” while seasoned lifters and coaches know there’s always more to learn.
We’ll cover:
How the Dunning–Kruger effect shows up in training and coaching
The risks of being “overconfident but under-informed” in strength & conditioning
Why true progress comes from humility, consistency, and proper programming
Real examples of athletes mistaking early success for mastery
Practical ways to check your blind spots and keep developing as an athlete or coach
If you’ve ever wondered why some athletes plateau early while others keep getting better, this episode will show you how self-awareness and humility are just as important as sets, reps, and load.