The MTI Podcast

#40: Strength Coaching with David Hageman, Ph.D.

Guest: David Hageman, Ph.D., Strength & Conditioning Coach, Tactical Athlete Specialist, and Assistant Chief at the Denver Fire DepartmentHost: Rob ShaulEpisode Summary:Dr. David Hageman is a veteran strength and conditioning coach with experience as a gym owner, High School Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Tactical Strength Coach (military and fire/rescue). We dive deep into his experience training high school athletes, developing strength programs for football players, and adapting training for tactical professionals in the fire service. Included is nerdy talk about favorite exercises, set/rep schemes and other fascinating details for other scholar-meatheads. Dr. Hageman shares his insights on:✔️ The evolution of high school strength programs✔️ Strength standards and periodization for football athletes✔️ The balance between general strength training and sport-specific work✔️ The unique challenges of firefighter fitness and operational readiness✔️ Lessons learned from coaching both young athletes and tactical professionals🔥 Lightning Round Topics:• Best total body lift? (Power clean & push press)• Most overrated exercise? (Handstand walks & circus tricks)• Most underrated exercise? (Nordic hamstring curls & neck training)• Strength coach influences? (Dan John, NSCA, and Mountain Tactical programming)• What’s his dream job? (High school & tactical strength coaching)Links & Resources:📌 David Hageman’s Credentials & Background📌 Fluid Periodization & Strength Programming Resources📌 Operator Ugly & Tactical Fitness Assessments

#39: Semi-Pro Baseball Glory Days and Tribal Law Enforcement on the U.S.-Mexico Border with Steve Swingle

Semi-Pro Baseball Glory Days and Tribal Law Enforcement on the U.S.-Mexico Border with Steve SwingleIn this episode, we sit down with Steve Swingle, a seasoned tribal law enforcement officer with over six years of experience patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border as a tribal police officer. Swingle has worked closely with agencies like the U.S. Marshals, Border Patrol, and Homeland Security Investigations, tackling cartel activity, human trafficking, and violent crime.
Steve discusses encounters with cartel smugglers, reservation gang violence, tales from his days playing semi-pro baseball and being a bouncer, to the TBI-inducing rollover crash while responding to a high-risk call.Episode Highlights:• Tactics drug cartels and human smugglers deploy on the border.• The distinction between smuggling and trafficking, and how some migrants become victims of exploitation en route.• The complexities of policing sovereign land, working alongside federal agencies, and the unique challenges of tribal jurisdiction.• The surprising presence of Bloods and Crips on tribal lands• The most dangerous calls he’s responded to, including a confrontation with an armed suspect that nearly ended in gunfire.• The details of his 2022 vehicle rollover accident and resulting tramatic brain injury•Behind the scenes peak into the world of semi-pro baseball and bouncing at an "Operator" bar in Tuscon

#38: Dave Pappas - Insights into Law Enforcement

In this conversation, Dave Pappas shares his journey from growing up in Riverview, Michigan, to serving in the Army Reserves and becoming a police officer. He discusses the challenges and experiences of working in law enforcement, including the dynamics of patrol versus detective work, the impact of George Floyd on policing, and the importance of mental health resources for officers.
Dave reflects on the hardest calls he's responded to, the evolution of his perspective on policing, and the significance of community engagement. He also addresses the role of body cameras and the militarization of police, sharing insights from his deployment in Afghanistan and the lessons learned throughout his career.
Dave shares his experiences and insights as a law enforcement officer, discussing the complexities of navigating professional relationships, the challenges faced by police officers, and the importance of community support. He reflects on the love-hate relationship society has with law enforcement, the significance of fitness and mental health in the profession, and the evolving policies and equipment standards in police work. Pappas also emphasizes the need for support systems and coping mechanisms for stress, while sharing his aspirations for the future and advice for younger officers.
Takeaways
Dave Pappas grew up in Riverview, Michigan, and has a strong connection to his community.
He enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, motivated by a desire to help during Hurricane Katrina.
Pappas has experience as both a patrol officer and a detective, emphasizing the importance of both roles.
He discusses the challenges of DUI stops and the complexities of dealing with impaired drivers.
The impact of George Floyd's death has led to significant changes in policing and community relations.
Mental health resources for officers are crucial in coping with the trauma of their work.
Pappas shares a harrowing experience involving a child in a DUI incident that deeply affected him.
He believes in the importance of community engagement and proactive policing.
Body cameras are seen as a positive development in law enforcement, enhancing accountability.
Pappas reflects on his deployment in Afghanistan and the lessons learned about responsibility and leadership. Navigating professional relationships is crucial in law enforcement.
Society has a complex relationship with law enforcement.
Community support plays a vital role in officer morale.
Fitness is essential for police officers to perform effectively.
Mental health support is necessary for law enforcement personnel.
SWAT teams require rigorous selection and training processes.
Policy changes often arise from national incidents.
The media influences public perception of law enforcement.
Coping mechanisms are important for managing stress in the job.
Continuous learning and adaptation are key in law enforcement.

#37: Sam Schwartz – Pushing Limits in Skiing, Ultra-Running, and Business

In this episode, MTI sits down with MTI Athlete Team member Sam Schwartz, a former professional big mountain skier turned ultra-endurance athlete and entrepreneur. Sam shares raw insights on navigating the high-risk world of freeskiing, why he walked away from competition at the height of his career, and how he’s redefining success through ski mountaineering, ultra-marathons, and business. We get into the gritty details—the dumbest mistakes he’s made in the mountains, what almost killed him in Apocalypse Couloir, why most of his ski heroes are dead, and how he thinks about risk in both mountaineering and entrepreneurship. He also talks about social media regrets, the realities of ski sponsorships, and how he balances fast-and-light alpinism with actual safety.Topics Covered:✅ Growing up in Jackson Hole and getting into professional skiing✅ The hard truths of ski sponsorships—why competition winners don’t get the best deals✅ Why he walked away from freeskiing at 26 and never looked back✅ How he shifted from jumping 100-foot cliffs to running 200-mile ultra races✅ Ski mountaineering risk vs. reward—the best and worst calls he’s made✅ Dumbest mistakes in the mountains and how he got away with them✅ How to survive solo ski mountaineering (and when he actually gets scared)✅ Entrepreneurship and sustainability—founding Avant Delivery✅ Why he mentors a 22-year-old but never had a mentor himself✅ Ultra-running pain caves and why he refuses to run some races twice✅ Denali redemption—his plan to ski base-to-summit-to-base in a single pushLightning Round Highlights:⚡ Worst injury? Breaking his back mid-air during a double backflip⚡ Most scared he’s ever been at work? Almost getting wiped out in Apocalypse Couloir⚡ Biggest mountain mistake? Trusting his ego instead of his anchor-building skills⚡ Worst job he could imagine? Investment banking tax calls⚡ Dream job if he wasn’t doing this? Flying helicopters in Alaska⚡ Best career advice he ever got? “Don’t whore yourself out for money.”⚡ What he’d tell his 20-year-old self? “Get insanely good at one thing, and ignore everything else.”Where to Follow Sam:📸 Instagram: @skifreejh🌍 Business: Avant Delivery

#36: Interview with Adam Aikens - MTI Athlete, USMC Veteran, and Backcountry Hunter

In this conversation, Rob and Adam discuss Adam's journey from attending the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) to his military career and eventual transition into the defense industry. They explore themes of military heritage, academic choices, family influence, and the challenges of recruitment in the military. Adam shares insights about his experiences in the Marine Corps, his role in the defense industry, and his passion for hunting, particularly his memorable Dall sheep hunt in Alaska. The conversation highlights the importance of personal growth, family, and the unique experiences that shape one's career path.
Adam and Rob delve into the multifaceted world of hunting, outdoor adventures, and personal growth. They explore the evolution of hunting perspectives, the differences between archery and rifle hunting, and the importance of family in outdoor activities. Adam shares his experiences with fishing, the camaraderie of hunting clubs, and the advancements in optics and firearms. The discussion also touches on the balance between work and family life, leadership lessons from the military, and future hunting aspirations. Adam emphasizes the significance of fitness in outdoor activities and the potential for consulting in the hunting industry, all while reflecting on personal growth and the importance of community.
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#35: Interview with MTI Athlete & Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Sanders

In this conversation, Chris Sanders shares his journey from being a mechanic to becoming a firefighter and paramedic in Corpus Christi. He discusses the competitive nature of Texas high school sports, the challenges of EMS calls, and the importance of mental health support for first responders. Chris also delves into the realities of overdose cases, the role of SWAT medics, and the significance of continuous learning in the field. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the camaraderie within the fire department and the impact of their work on the community. Chris shares his experiences as a tactical medic and paramedic, discussing the unique challenges and training involved in his role. He emphasizes the importance of fitness, camaraderie, and accountability within the fire department, as well as the significance of teaching and learning in paramedic training. The conversation also touches on the culture of cooking in the firehouse, balancing multiple responsibilities, and reflections on career aspirations and challenges faced on the job.
 
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#34: Interview with S&C Coach & Hyrox Event Designer Mintra Tilly

Mintra Tilly is a self-taught German Strength & Conditioning Coach, the creator of the Hyrox fitness sport, and founder of the Roxzone Original Gym. Her work history includes an internship at MTI, work with professional Hockey Team in Germany, and Director of Sport at Hyrox. Mintra discusses her coaching career, lack of proper credit for creating Hyrox, and her strength coaching philosophy. 
Mintra's Gym - Roxzone OG
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This Week's Arete
 

#33: News from Arete

In this episode, Rob Shaul discusses the significant changes in US policy under President Trump's administration, focusing on NATO's defense spending, military involvement in immigration, border security, and the recent dismissal of Coast Guard leadership. He also explores the implications of Trump's environmental and energy policies, the potential reduction of federal agencies, and the overall impact on tactical athletes and the military community.
This Week's Arete
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#32: News from Arete

In this podcast episode, Rob discusses various geopolitical issues, focusing on Russia's shadow fleet and hybrid warfare tactics, North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine conflict, and the implications of Trump's foreign policy on global stability. The conversation also touches on NATO's defense spending and the potential application of Reagan's strategies to current tensions with China.
 
The discussion transitions to environmental issues, specifically the management of wildfires, with contrarian views on logging practices. The conversation further explores the impact of obesity drugs on health and society, emphasizing their potential to change perceptions and treatment of obesity as a chronic disease.
 
Finally, Rob touches on advancements in strength training methodologies, particularly velocity-based training, and its implications for athletic performance
 
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This Weeks Arete

#31: Interview with Wildland Fire Hotshot Dan Dobyns

This conversation delves into the operations, challenges, and culture of the Diamond Mountain Hotshot Crew, a wildland firefighting team. Dan Dobyns, the superintendent, discusses the crew's history, interagency operations, staffing challenges, recruitment efforts, and the importance of physical fitness and training. He emphasizes the significance of effective communication, leadership styles, and the tactical approaches used in firefighting. The discussion also highlights the rigorous physical standards set for crew members, particularly the demanding 'Hill' challenge, which serves as a test of fitness and determination.
Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of wildland firefighting and the dedication required to succeed in this field. In this conversation, Dan Dobyns shares insights into the culture, training, and challenges faced by wildland firefighters. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, fitness, and recovery, while also discussing the dangers of the job and the impact of technology on firefighting strategies. The conversation touches on personal struggles, misconceptions about the profession, and the need for pay reform to retain skilled firefighters. Ultimately, it highlights the camaraderie and shared experiences that define the wildland firefighting community.