Wrestling Prep Podcast

Join us for an insightful podcast series with Coach Carolyn Wester of Wrestling Prep. In each episode, Coach Wester shares one aspect her unique approach to wrestling, BJJ, and other MMA techniques, focusing on her innovative coaching principles. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of mastering repeatable patterns of movement and effective body positioning over situational training, revolutionizing the way athletes approach their sport. Tune in to discover how Coach Wester helps athletes of all levels enhance their performance and achieve their goals.

19 episodes

27d ago latest

monthly cadence

English language

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Episodes 19

Episode 20: Beyond the Single Leg – JJ Howland on Learning from Carolyn and Working Together
27d ago · 1:12:13
Quick-fix prep clinics don't create lasting results; retention and application do. In this episode, Carolyn sits down with coach JJ Howland, who has built a large social media following around wrestling content and has coached a string of national finalists. JJ shares what stood out after meeting Carolyn at a Vegas clinic in April and why he traveled with three of his own athletes to a Wrestling Prep summer camp weeks later. The two compare coaching journeys that took unconventional paths, then turn to the clinic circuit: sessions full of advanced technique kids can't physically execute, weeke
Episode 19: Tumbling vs. Sequential Muscle Order – Why Body Leveraging Transfers and Tumbling Won't
2mo ago · 43:35
Before you spend money sending your athletes to tumbling class to emulate what you've seen from Wrestling Prep athletes, understand this: the two are fundamentally different in intent and execution. Coach Carolyn Wester breaks down why tumbling and her Body Leveraging movements can look similar, but don't transfer the same way. Tumbling chases a finished skill through disorganized effort, and rarely develops skills that carry into grappling; Body Leveraging uses Sequential Muscle Order to build, coordinate, and transfer force through a precise muscular sequence that maps directly onto movement
Episode 18: Success, Social Media, and Validation – Teaching Athletes to Build Real Self-Worth
3mo ago · 56:53
After a big win, the real work begins. In this episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, Coach Carolyn examines how social media and well-meaning praise from parents, coaches, and prominent figures can wire athletes to chase dopamine hits instead of building genuine self-worth. She draws a clear distinction between the mindset work that takes place to prepare for a big competition and the deeper neurological process of tracing personal happiness back to overcome fear, avoidance, and self-doubt. Coaches, parents, and athletes will come away from this episode with a clearer sense of why that intern
Episode 17: Serving Athletes in a Self-Serving System - A Coach’s View on Ego, Power, and Politics
8mo ago · 1:09:03
In this episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, Carolyn Wester, Drew Morgan, and Coach Cornell Robinson have an honest conversation about what happens when adult egos begin to outweigh athlete development, and the real consequences that follow. Carolyn and Cornell start by laying out the coaching principles that get lost when winning, perception, or control become the priority: serving the athlete, protecting long-term academic and personal growth, and maintaining ethical leadership even when it costs a coach professionally. Cornell then shares his firsthand experience navigating a situation wh
Episode 16: Training Recap and Scientific Validation – Coach Wester Reflects on Summer Coaching
10mo ago · 44:55
Coach Carolyn Wester shares highlights from a busy season of camps, clinics, and high-level training across the country. Over the summer, she coached in Kentucky, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, drawing athletes from 38 states and five countries, and led a Coaches Clinic that combined on-mat technical progress with open conversations about communication and athlete development. She then visited Driveline Baseball in Tampa, where motion-capture data reinforced the principles behind her body-leveraging system. From early morning sessions with national-level wrestlers to ongoing work with el
Episode 15: Stop Chasing Matches, Start Developing Wrestlers – Advice from Two World-Class Coaches
1y ago · 1:09:44
Coach Cornell Robinson is a nationally respected coach with over a decade of experience leading U.S. age-group world teams. He has served as head coach at both Christian Brothers College Prep and Wyoming Seminary, where he was known for his athlete-centered, strategy-driven approach. In this conversation with Coach Carolyn Wester, Cornell shares why intentional training, not constant competition, is what leads to long-term success in wrestling. He reflects on how observing Carolyn’s movement-based approach helped him develop better athletes, not just tougher wrestlers, and how integrating thos
Episode 14: Your Athlete Is Not Your Mirror - Coaching and Parenting Without Projection
1y ago · 1:00:21
Coach Wester is joined by renowned trauma and addiction recovery expert Tennie McCarty to examine how unresolved issues in parents and coaches often surface in their relationships with athletes, sometimes sabotaging the very growth they hope to support. From toxic overinvolvement to the silent consequences of unspoken trauma, this conversation explores how boundaries, self-awareness, and healthy advocacy can shift the athletic experience from pressure-driven to empowering. Tennie shares insights from decades of clinical experience and previews the tools she’ll be teaching at this summer’s Wres
Episode 13: Acceptance Begins with Ownership - Why Avoidance Fails in Athlete Development
1y ago · 57:51
In this episode, Head Coach Carolyn Wester unpacks one of the most important but overlooked dynamics in athlete development: avoidance and acceptance. Avoidance shows up as wishful thinking, rushed plans, unclear goals, and emotional deflection after losses. Acceptance, on the other hand, means facing reality: where the athlete truly is, what was actually done in preparation, and what needs to change moving forward. Carolyn challenges parents, coaches, and wrestlers to stop chasing outcomes and start owning the process. What do you really want from the sport? What’s been avoided in pursuit of
Episode 12: Body Leveraging is the Future of Grappling - Positional Control & Movement in Jiu-Jitsu
1y ago · 58:05
In this episode of the Podcast, Coach Carolyn Wester sits down with Rob Setree and Mac Profumo to discuss the profound influence of Wrestling Prep on their Jiu-Jitsu training. Rob is a second-degree black belt and the co-founder of Criterion Jiu-Jitsu in Louisville, KY. In this conversation, Rob details his significant athletic improvements, noting that practicing the Body Leveraging techniques taught by Carolyn has allowed him to surpass two decades of prior training limitations. Rob shares a vision of the sport's future, where the ability to control and move one's body effectively will disti
Episode 11: Cheat Code to Teaching Body Leveraging and Examples of Recent Success in Competition
1y ago · 53:51
In this episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, Coach Carolyn Wester shares actionable advice for coaches on integrating Body Leveraging into their practices. She offers guidance on teaching sequential muscle movements alongside wrestling techniques. Carolyn highlights how these methods can enhance performance and benefit wrestlers of all athletic levels. Using examples from the recent success of wrestlers who have practiced these techniques under her guidance, she demonstrates how Body Leveraging helps athletes optimize their movement and develop skills for long-term success. Register early to
Episode 10: The Path to Long-Term Success in Wrestling - Improvement Through Collaboration
1y ago · 57:13
In this episode, Coach Carolyn Wester and Drew Morgan discuss the evolving dynamics of youth wrestling, emphasizing the value of improvement over competition. Carolyn highlights the importance of parents acting as "project managers" to facilitate collaboration among multiple coaches, ensuring athletes receive diverse perspectives, avoiding ego and conflicts. Drew shares insights on how body leveraging and efficient training build long-term success, while Carolyn reflects on how the sport's evolution demands a shift away from one-coach dependency. Together, they advocate a growth-focused approa
Episode 9: Decoding Emotional Constraints in Developing Athletes with the Incredible Melissa Richey
1y ago · 1:05:19
Coach Carolyn Wester is joined by a leading subject matter expert on pediatric and young adult emotional development Melissa Richey. Melissa is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a strong background in holistic psychology and emotional well-being, she is the mother of three wrestlers, two of which are currently wrestling at college (Duke & Gettysburg) and one who will graduate and go on to wrestle in college this year. In this conversation, she shares insights on how athletes develop mentally and emotionally through the challenges they face in our sport. Melissa has worked closely with many a
Episode 8: Body Leveraging Meets Grappling - Coaching Athletes at Every Level at PSF Wrestling
1y ago · 49:51
In this episode, Coach Carolyn Wester sits down with 2024 ADCC World Championships breakout star Michael Pixley and recent NOGI World Champ Alejandro Wajner. Both former collegiate wrestlers have successfully transitioned into professional Jiu-Jitsu athletes while also coaching youth and high school wrestlers. Carolyn recently visited PSF Wrestling in Mt. Vernon, Illinois to lead a series of clinics where both youth athletes and professionals trained together, learning her signature Body Leveraging techniques alongside advanced grappling skills. During the conversation, Dro and Pixley share ho
Episode 7: Global Reach, Novel Approach - Coach Carolyn's Trip to Finland
1y ago · 45:29
In this episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, head coach Carolyn Wester sits down with Finnish coaches Niko Kettunen, Ville Heino, and Jere Heino to discuss her recent coaching clinic in Finland. The trip, initially sparked by casual conversations, quickly turned into an impactful week of training and learning. Carolyn’s unique Body Leveraging and wrestling technique and coaching philosophy left a strong impression on the group, as coaches and athletes alike experienced new ways to approach movement and technique. The episode highlights the long-term impact Carolyn’s work might have on Finlan
Episode 5: Catching Up with Coach Carolyn - Camps, Champions, and What’s Next
2y ago · 40:04
In this episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, Coach Carolyn Wester and Drew Morgan fill us in on their coaching efforts this summer. They discuss Wrestling Prep's recently-completed camp in Virginia, highlighting the diverse group of athletes in attendance and the unique challenges of teaching math-based movement techniques. With another camp just around the corner, Carolyn shares her excitement about continuing to foster growth and confidence in wrestlers of all levels. The episode also touches on Olympic gold-medalist Amit Elor's development in the sport, and the importance of community in
Episode 4: From Foundation to Finish - Enhance Technique with Core Principles
2y ago · 42:07
In this episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, Coach Carolyn Wester and athlete Drew Morgan discuss the importance of understanding foundational principles of wrestling over accumulating an endless array of techniques. Carolyn shares insights from her observations recent tournaments and highlights how mastering basic concepts like positioning and movement can dramatically enhance an athlete's performance. They explore the potential of future online coursework designed to teach these core principles, emphasizing that a strong conceptual foundation allows wrestlers to adapt and excel in various
Episode 3: Where Coach Carolyn Excels - Technique or Body Leveraging?
2y ago · 38:06
In the third episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, host Bryce welcomes back head coach Carolyn Wester and athlete Drew Morgan. Carolyn shares her experiences from a recent clinic in Los Angeles, giving some insight into her exceptional ability to coach the finer details of wrestling technique. The discussion explores how body leveraging and muscle sequencing form the foundation on which high-level technique can be built. Carolyn and Drew highlight the critical role of precise movements that can make a significant difference in wrestling performance. This episode offers valuable insights into
Episode 2: Efficiency and Effectiveness - Keys to Sustained Improvement
2y ago · 35:19
This week on the podcast, Coach Carolyn Wester and Drew Morgan highlight their recent travels, and discuss Wrestling Prep's innovative training methods. Carolyn shares insights from her extensive experience across wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), highlighting the importance of efficiency and effectiveness through math-based principles and muscle sequencing. Drew discusses how these techniques can significantly enhance performance, even for high-level athletes. This episode provides a deep look into how Coach Wester’s unique approach is revolutionizing training and helping athletes achi
Episode 1: Beyond Technique: Mastering Muscle Sequencing
2y ago · 41:12
In the debut episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, Bryce talks with head coach Carolyn Wester Drew Morgan, an athlete at the US Naval Academy's RTC. They begin to unpack Carolyn's unique approach to teaching wrestling through body mechanics and muscle sequencing, contrasting it with traditional methods of technique accumulation. Drew shares the significant impact Carolyn's methods have had on his wrestling career. This insightful conversation offers a fresh perspective on training and athlete development, emphasizing the importance of foundational body movement. Want to learn more about Coach

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Wrestling Prep Podcast

Episodes 19

Episode 20: Beyond the Single Leg – JJ Howland on Learning from Carolyn and Working Together

Episode 19: Tumbling vs. Sequential Muscle Order – Why Body Leveraging Transfers and Tumbling Won't

Episode 18: Success, Social Media, and Validation – Teaching Athletes to Build Real Self-Worth

Episode 17: Serving Athletes in a Self-Serving System - A Coach’s View on Ego, Power, and Politics

Episode 16: Training Recap and Scientific Validation – Coach Wester Reflects on Summer Coaching

Episode 15: Stop Chasing Matches, Start Developing Wrestlers – Advice from Two World-Class Coaches

Episode 14: Your Athlete Is Not Your Mirror - Coaching and Parenting Without Projection

Episode 13: Acceptance Begins with Ownership - Why Avoidance Fails in Athlete Development

Episode 12: Body Leveraging is the Future of Grappling - Positional Control & Movement in Jiu-Jitsu

Episode 11: Cheat Code to Teaching Body Leveraging and Examples of Recent Success in Competition

Episode 10: The Path to Long-Term Success in Wrestling - Improvement Through Collaboration

Episode 9: Decoding Emotional Constraints in Developing Athletes with the Incredible Melissa Richey

Episode 8: Body Leveraging Meets Grappling - Coaching Athletes at Every Level at PSF Wrestling

Episode 7: Global Reach, Novel Approach - Coach Carolyn's Trip to Finland

Episode 5: Catching Up with Coach Carolyn - Camps, Champions, and What’s Next

Episode 4: From Foundation to Finish - Enhance Technique with Core Principles

Episode 3: Where Coach Carolyn Excels - Technique or Body Leveraging?

Episode 2: Efficiency and Effectiveness - Keys to Sustained Improvement

Episode 1: Beyond Technique: Mastering Muscle Sequencing

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Episodes 19

Episode 20: Beyond the Single Leg – JJ Howland on Learning from Carolyn and Working Together

Episode 19: Tumbling vs. Sequential Muscle Order – Why Body Leveraging Transfers and Tumbling Won't

Episode 18: Success, Social Media, and Validation – Teaching Athletes to Build Real Self-Worth

Episode 17: Serving Athletes in a Self-Serving System - A Coach’s View on Ego, Power, and Politics

Episode 16: Training Recap and Scientific Validation – Coach Wester Reflects on Summer Coaching

Episode 15: Stop Chasing Matches, Start Developing Wrestlers – Advice from Two World-Class Coaches

Episode 14: Your Athlete Is Not Your Mirror - Coaching and Parenting Without Projection

Episode 13: Acceptance Begins with Ownership - Why Avoidance Fails in Athlete Development

Episode 12: Body Leveraging is the Future of Grappling - Positional Control & Movement in Jiu-Jitsu

Episode 11: Cheat Code to Teaching Body Leveraging and Examples of Recent Success in Competition

Episode 10: The Path to Long-Term Success in Wrestling - Improvement Through Collaboration

Episode 9: Decoding Emotional Constraints in Developing Athletes with the Incredible Melissa Richey

Episode 8: Body Leveraging Meets Grappling - Coaching Athletes at Every Level at PSF Wrestling

Episode 7: Global Reach, Novel Approach - Coach Carolyn's Trip to Finland

Episode 5: Catching Up with Coach Carolyn - Camps, Champions, and What’s Next

Episode 4: From Foundation to Finish - Enhance Technique with Core Principles

Episode 3: Where Coach Carolyn Excels - Technique or Body Leveraging?

Episode 2: Efficiency and Effectiveness - Keys to Sustained Improvement

Episode 1: Beyond Technique: Mastering Muscle Sequencing