SOFLETE Performance

Pain, Limb Symmetry, and When to Leave It Alone Giovani and Matt tackle two listener questions that sit at the intersection of performance and rehab: when pain is normal versus when it needs attention, and how much left-to-right limb asymmetry is actually a problem. The conversation is especially relevant for athletes, military first responders, and anyone training with a long history of sports, i...

Authenticity, Identity, and Complexity from the Art of Coaching Conference Coach Giovani, Brent Phillips, and Coach Matt unpack a wide-ranging discussion that starts with a cyclist he helped on the way to the recording and expands into physical therapy, pain management, identity, and the cost of high-performance careers. The episode centers on takeaways from the Art of Coaching conference, where p...

Join us as we dive into the lessons learned from an epic mountain biking trip! 🚵‍♂️ In this episode of the Softly Performance Podcast, Coach G and Coach Matt discuss key takeaways on gear selection, fatigue management, and calorie consumption that apply to all endurance sports, not just mountain biking. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just curious about the principles of performance, this...

How to Read Research Without Getting Misled This episode is about how to evaluate research with more discipline and less hype. Giovani is joined by Coach Matt and Brent for a practical breakdown of what actually matters in a study, from sample size and methods to p values, R squared, study design, and whether the findings apply to real people in the real world. We discuss why abstracts are not eno...

Giovani hosts Coach Matt and Brent for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with Giovani’s first big Moab mountain bike trip and expands into training theory, endurance specificity, and tactical human performance. It’s a practical episode about how different demands shape preparation, from bike fitness and recovery to the reality of movement, load carriage, and mobility in the field. In this ep...

In this episode, Giovani, Brent, and Matt explore conditioning progressions, tactical training, and the importance of adaptability in athletic performance. They share practical insights for designing effective training protocols for military, law enforcement, and sports athletes.

Performance dietitian Ariah Fish joins Coach G and Coach Matt to unpack practical nutrition for athletes, tactical professionals, and anyone training hard. They cover fueling with carbohydrates, recovery nutrition, hydration and electrolytes, how to spot nutrition misinformation online, and why sustainable habits matter more than chasing trends. Ariah also shares her work supporting professional a...

Giovani Urrutia and Coach Matt debrief day three of Tactical Strength and Conditioning Association training, focusing on the ideas that actually change practice versus the ones that just sound good in a room. They compare culture, data, and coaching communication across tactical sport, military, and first responder settings, with a strong throughline of keeping things simple enough for stakeholder...

Periodization Is Not Dead: Tactical Training, Contrast Work, and Real-World Readiness Coach Giovani, Coach Brent Phillips, and Coach Matt unpack the claim that “periodization is dead” and argue that the real issue is not periodization itself, but bad, dogmatic takes stripped of context. They connect training theory to tactical athletes, selection prep, and the practical reality that most people ne...

Coach Giovani and Coach Matt unpack relatedness from self-determination theory and apply it to military, first responder, and civilian environments. They dig into how inclusion and exclusion shape behavior, why some people become “the other” in a group, and how leaders can use environment, accountability, and shared standards to help people shift from external motivation to real internal buy-in. I...

In this episode, Coach Matt and Coach Giovani delve into the implications of recent policy shifts toward testosterone screening in military and first responder communities. They discuss the potential benefits, risks, and logistical challenges, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors and ongoing research. The conversation also explores broader issues like preventative health, data collectio...

In this episode, we explore insights from the Sportsmith Conference, discussing the implications of AI in training, the unique value of high-level coaching, and distinctions between sports and tactical performance. We examine how expert experience cannot be replaced by machines and delve into advanced training techniques like oscillatory isometrics, tissue tolerance, and their practical applicatio...

In this episode, Giovani and Brent dive into the shifting landscape of supplements, training philosophy, gear choices, and lessons from the field—both military and fitness. They share their candid reflections on past mistakes, wisdom gained, and the importance of systems and principles in optimizing performance and avoiding injury.

Join Matt and G with as they explore the cutting-edge world of isokinetic training with Mark Small of Poseidon Strength. Discover how their innovative tools, from force testing towers to climbing ropes, are transforming injury prevention, rehab, and athletic performance. Tune in to learn about the practical applications, safety benefits, and future of functional strength training.

In this episode, Brent, Giovani, and Matt explore how ego and credentialism influence the tactical and coaching worlds. They challenge assumptions about expertise, emphasizing that experience and results often matter more than titles or credentials. This conversation offers clarity on how to assess credibility, the importance of specialization, and why continuous learning is crucial for growth.

In this episode, Giovani and Matt break down the essentials of pre-deployment training across various fields—firefighting, law enforcement, military, and sports. They explore the importance of understanding your body's limits, the need for tailored training approaches, and how mindset and recovery impact performance and longevity. Key topics:   The universality of pre-event training principle...

In this episode, Giovani and Matt break down the concept of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), exploring its relevance beyond traditional sports into military and first responder contexts. They share practical protocols, discuss the importance of environment-specific training, and highlight how MAS can be a game-changer for tactical performance and endurance.

This one's a banger, team. In this episode, Dr. Jay Wiles discusses the science of psychophysiology, heart rate variability, and how innovative tools like the Ohm lamp can train the nervous system for better resilience, performance, and mental health.

This episode dives into the potential transformation of military strength and conditioning through formalized roles like MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). With insights from experts in military performance, physical therapy, and sports science, we explore how embedding specialized coaches could revolutionize readiness, injury prevention, and long-term career longevity in the armed forces.

Explore the often-overlooked key to performance and injury prevention: targeted strength training rooted in movement fundamentals and tissue resilience. This episode bridges the gap between endurance sports and strength conditioning, revealing how science-backed training enhances performance and durability. We debunk the myth that more volume equals better results for endurance athletes. Discover...

This episode explores the nuances of firearm training, competition, and the culture surrounding tactical sports. Hosts discuss open carry versus concealed carry, the importance of realistic training, and the mental aspects of shooting sports, providing insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

In this episode, Giovani Urrutia, Coach Matt, and Brent explore the nuances of testing in fitness, its appropriate application, and the potential pitfalls of over- or undervaluing it. They discuss real-world examples like CrossFit and High Rocks, the importance of confirmation versus achievement in testing, and how to balance training, monitoring, and testing for optimal performance.

Giovani Urrutia and Matt discuss the importance of continuous education, practical application of training principles, and emerging trends in human performance and tactical training. They explore how to evaluate training courses, the cyclical nature of fitness trends, and the future of technology in military and athletic performance.

In this episode, Megan Lautz, a registered dietitian with experience in first responders and pro sports, shares insights on nutrition strategies, behavior change, and resource management for high-performance individuals. Topics include caffeine management, hydration, lifestyle nutrition, and practical hacks for energy optimization.

Giovani Urrutia shares his unique experience at Canyon Ranch, exploring the world of ultra-luxury wellness retreats, innovative neurofeedback devices, and practical applications for everyday performance and recovery. Discover insights into cutting-edge tools, the mindset of high-net-worth individuals, and actionable tips for integrating wellness tech into your routine. Canyon Ranch - https://www.c...