Master Power Athlete Coach, Dr Ben Skutnik, sits down with former CrossFit Games athlete Pat Barber to talk training, fatherhood, youth sports, and what it actually takes to raise capable, resilient humans.

If you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or anyone trying to build stronger habits without becoming a dictator, this episode gives you a sharper framework for what actually matters.

Show notes: https://bit.ly/ETW03

The Father’s Guild: https://www.thefathersguild.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefathersguild
The Father’s Guild Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/thefathersguild/about

Dr. Ben Skutnik is joined by fellow Power Athlete Certified Master Coach Dennis Dolan, who shares his journey from athletic trainer to Power Athlete Master Coach and why intentional movement is the foundation of long-term performance.

The conversation explores how patience, consistency, and adaptability create better athletes, whether you're chasing performance, returning from injury, or simply looking to move better for life. Ben and Dennis break down practical strategies for reducing injury risk, building effective warm-up routines that actually prepare you to train, and developing the mindset needed to keep improving at any age.

If you want straightforward coaching advice you can apply immediately, this episode delivers practical takeaways without the BS.

Show notes: https://bit.ly/ETW02

Time stamps:

00:00 - Ben introduces Dennis Dolan and the episode’s focus on training, readiness, and recovery

00:46 - Dennis’s background as a high school athletic trainer and how he found CrossFit Football

01:57 - The 2011 Denver seminar and why the Power Athlete approach made immediate sense

03:27 - Bedrock success with a “unicorn” athlete and how that led to deeper involvement

04:54 - Joining the beta group and becoming embedded in the organization

05:40 - Why Dennis functions like Power Athlete’s athletic trainer

08:23 - How Dennis uses warm-ups to expose limitations before the main session

09:48 - Why immediate feedback during warm-ups gets people bought in

11:31 - Adults versus younger athletes and how ego changes coaching

12:54 - The German language analogy for teaching movement

14:02 - Training around limitations without waiting to be “fully recovered”

15:12 - Why bad squat mechanics do not make someone a bad person

16:40 - Using basketball and sport examples to explain movement improvement

18:01 - Athlete mindset beyond sport and how it applies to work and life

19:49 - The top fault Dennis sees: movement without intent

21:38 - Why people need to move more and stop being so regimented

22:19 - Real-life movement examples, including kids and defensive athletic positions

24:04 - Scaling and substitutions to fit the athlete instead of forcing the template

25:21 - How Power Athlete coaches shift programming around injury, limits, and goals

26:42 - Not all agility work needs to look like sport, but it still has value

28:08 - Dennis’s own programming journey from collegiate to amateur and beyond

29:34 - Why he wants people to finish the full work, including sprints and prep

30:29 - Where Dennis is now: Bedrock, Field Strong, and Johnny Wad

31:35 - Getting stronger and faster in his 40s on Field Strong

32:22 - Why Ben wants more regular sprint work and better sprint prep

34:20 - Dennis’s wood bat baseball story and what it revealed about readiness

36:46 - Why people should start at the right dose instead of going all out

38:31 - The value of scaling intensity instead of avoiding movement

40:55 - Dennis’s final advice: be kinder to yourself and stay patient

43:53 - Where to find Dennis in Overland Park, Kansas and at Restore Thrive

45:00 - Why his clinic is cash-based and built around individualized care

Unlock the secret to becoming a more athletic, resilient version of yourself—without spending hours in the gym.

Power Athlete Master Coach David McKercher reveals how sprinting, strength, and consistency can transform your body and performance at any age. If you’ve ever felt stuck in traditional workouts, this episode will challenge your assumptions and show you a simple, proven path to better movement, faster recovery, and real athleticism.

David, a seasoned coach since 2006, shares how his evolution from internet commentator to elite trainer has shaped his approach. You’ll discover why sprinting is the ultimate foundation for functional strength—beyond just muscle building—and how to incorporate volume and intensity training safely, even if you’re new or been away for years. He breaks down the importance of authentic effort, the power of failure, and why continuous movement expression is the true goal of all training.

We also explore the broader philosophy of consistency, emphasizing that following a sound plan beats obsessing over perfect execution every time. Whether you're an adult looking to regain speed or an athlete aiming for peak performance, this episode redefines what it means to train productively and sustainably.

Hear why sprinting isn’t just about speed—it's the key to unlocking your full movement potential. Learn how to push your boundaries without risking injury and why effort, not just results, is what really matters. If you're tired of superficial routines and hungry for training that delivers real-world athleticism, this conversation will put you back on track.

Tune in to find out how to turn your training into a lifelong expression of power and speed—at any age. Perfect for anyone committed to movement, performance, and long-term results. Don’t miss this blend of experience, science, and raw honesty from one of the most authentic voices in the fitness space.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest, David McKercher

02:22 - Transition from internet persona to in-person coaching and community involvement

04:52 - David’s early athletic background and pathway into power athlete training

07:47 - The evolution of Power Athlete programming and program selection principles

09:29 - The role of athleticism, sprinting, and performance in training emphasis

11:23 - Personal experiences with sprinting progress and volume training benefits

12:47 - Restoring movement and expression through sprinting and athletic drills

15:00 - The importance of volume sprinting versus intensity efforts for repeatability

16:45 - Overcoming mental barriers and fear of sprinting in training environments

19:08 - The significance of failure, consistency, and realistic performance expectations

22:19 - The impact of hypertrophy work on sprinting and athletic performance

23:16 - Balancing training volume, intensity, and recovery for optimal results

26:10 - The importance of technical feedback and video analysis in sprinting progress

29:24 - Why skipping sprinting and expression is a missed opportunity in training plans

30:42 - Practical advice for adults and athletes to incorporate sprinting safely and effectively

34:17 - Combining strength, speed, and endurance for full athletic expression

36:17 - Mindset shift: trust the training process and consistency as the key to results

38:41 - The value of following programs closely and not skipping key components like sprinting

39:36 - Reaching out and connecting with coaches for personalized guidance

41:51 - Final thoughts: People helping people — the power of community and shared goals