Obstacle Dominator Podcast

In today’s episode, Matt Roberts breaks down one of the most misunderstood areas in OCR performance — grip failure . Most athletes fall off an obstacle and immediately assume it’s a strength issue. So they respond the only way they know how — by training grip harder, hanging longer, and doubling down on forearms. But that’s not where the problem starts. This episode goes deeper into the system beh...

Most athletes train hard. But hard work alone doesn’t guarantee progress. In this episode, Matt Roberts and Mitch dive into one of the most misunderstood areas of endurance and obstacle course racing performance: training strategy and periodization . Many athletes approach training by trying to improve everything at once, more volume, more intensity, more racing, more strength sessions, more compr...

Plateaus show up even when training looks disciplined. One common cause is mis-sequenced stress across the training cycle. In this episode of the Obstacle Dominator Podcast, Matt Roberts and co-host break down how training cycles actually function: when to build, when to deload, when to sharpen, when to taper, and how long-term progress depends on sequencing stress and recovery with intent rather...

Matt Roberts and Mitch break down how runners can use cross-training and intelligent load management to build aerobic fitness, VO2 max, and conditioning without paying the full mechanical cost of running . They unpack why running is the most “expensive” form of cardio for a runner due to impact and tissue load, and how to intelligently use machines, terrain variation, footwear, and training struct...

In this episode, Matt Roberts and his guest explore what optimisation in training really means — using the long run as the lens. They unpack why the long run isn’t just about time on feet or distance covered, but about clear intention , appropriate intensity , and knowing when to stop . The conversation highlights how many athletes overreach by chasing data, adding “just a bit more,” or blending s...

Discipline in Training, Optimisation Over IntensityThis episode is a deep dive into discipline, self awareness, and true optimisation in training. We unpack why the familiar cycle of motivation, intensity, burnout, restart keeps people stuck, and how stepping away from the “go hard” mentality creates sustainable progress instead of short lived peaks. This conversation explores training as a comple...

Most athletes are not under training. They are over doing the wrong things. In this episode, Matt R and Matt C have an honest conversation about training for obstacle course racing, long term performance, and why effort alone is not the answer. Drawing from real world experience, including periods of overtraining, fatigue, poor recovery, and stalled progress, they break down the difference between...

In this conversation, Matt Roberts discusses the importance of physicality in obstacle course racing (OCR) and how it relates to overall health and longevity. He emphasizes the need for a balanced training approach that includes various components such as strength, endurance, and coordination. The discussion also covers the significance of recovery, mindset, and the impact of lifestyle choices on...

In this episode, Matt Roberts sits down with Bob Smith to reflect on Bob’s journey through structured training, coaching, and Spartan racing. Bob shares how committing to the process transformed not just his physical fitness, but his mindset, discipline, and mental health. From learning accountability, to embracing community support, to discovering deeper layers of resilience through racing, this...

In this episode, Matt Roberts sits down with Sarah Jane to explore her journey through obstacle course racing, her experiences at The Playground, and how community, mindset, and self awareness have shaped her evolution as an athlete and a person. Sarah shares how her love for outdoor movement became a gateway into OCR, how working within a strong training environment built confidence and resilienc...

In this episode, Matt Roberts and Matt Chinn explore how to plan the year ahead with clarity, patience, and intention when it comes to OCR racing and training. They discuss the importance of honest self-assessment, understanding your current level of conditioning, and setting realistic goals that align with where you are right now, not just where you want to be. The conversation breaks down how to...

Episode 72 dives into The Winter Code — how to stay consistent, energised, motivated, and aligned through the darker, colder months. In this conversation, Matt Roberts and Mitch explore winter as a season of growth, identity shifts, and physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual alignment. Most people fall apart during winter. But winter is actually the forge — the place where discipline, resilien...

In today’s episode, Matt Roberts sits down with Jimmy Napolitano , a long-standing member of the Primal Fitness community whose journey began with the 21-Day Program — where he experienced significant change in a remarkably short time. Since then, Jimmy has gone on to run ultra distances , stand on Savage Race and Spartan podiums , and continue developing as a business owner, leader, father, and m...

In today’s episode Matt Roberts sits down with Shawn Stephens to reflect on a huge year of growth — both on and off the course. Over the past 12 months Shawn has faced and overcome a series of obstacles in his personal life, while simultaneously levelling up his athletic performance inside the Primal Fitness / Obstacle Dominator community. We discuss: The challenges and breakthroughs of the past y...

In this episode, Matt Roberts and Liam Mitchell dive into how to pace yourself like an elite athlete in OCR. They break down the perfect balance between effort, control, and execution, so you don’t blow up early or finish with too much left in the tank. You’ll learn: • 🧠 The mindset of pacing like an elite • 🫁 How to control breathing, effort, and intensity • 🏃 How to transition in and out of o...

In today’s episode we sit down with Jake Clark , who in the past two years has undergone multiple major surgeries on his legs. But unlike most people who treat injury as a full stop, Jake made a deliberate choice — to grow in every other area of his life while his lower body recovered. He could have collapsed into circumstance, but instead he explored his options and chose agency. While unable to...

In today’s episode we are speaking to Greg Downham . Greg has been part of the Primal Fitness Obstacle Dominator community for around five months, and this conversation captures the beginning of his transformation. When Greg first joined he was in a challenging season of life, but through conversation, commitment, and fully immersing himself in the work — he has come out the other side bigger, bet...

In today’s episode Matt Roberts sits down with co-host Matt Chinn to talk about one of the most overlooked but most important parts of the racing year — the off-season. We break down the logic and the purpose behind taking a planned period fully off training for physical restoration, nervous system reset, and mental decompression. From there we discuss running baseline assessments to gauge where y...

In this essential episode of the Obstacle Dominator podcast, Matt Roberts and Liam Mitchell sit down to share their personal rest and recovery strategies —hard-earned through years of trial, error, and experience in the trenches. We explore how to: Balance recovery with real-life demands— work, travel, family, and training Avoid the trap of overtraining while still progressing toward your goals Th...

In this episode of the Obstacle Dominator podcast, the Primal Fitness coaching team — Matt Roberts , Liam Mitchell , and Matt Chinn —pull back the curtain on what it really takes to train for obstacle course racing… and do it the right way . We dive deep into: The foundations of base training and why it's the backbone of long-term success The most common pitfalls people fall into with OCR trai...

In this gritty and powerful episode of the Obstacle Dominator podcast, we dive headfirst into the chaos, carnage, and camaraderie of World’s Toughest Mudder 2025 —one of the most iconic and demanding 24-hour obstacle course races on the planet. Host Matt Roberts is joined by a warrior crew of primal athletes: Meredith Todd , Simon Briggs , Gaz Oakley , and support man Paul Ellis , along with ultra...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Obstacle Dominator podcast, Matt Roberts sits down with Shawn Stevens —an athlete whose journey is a true testament to resilience, mindset, and transformation. From a life once limited by injury and personal struggles , Shawn opens up about how he found his way back— physically, mentally, and emotionally —through Spartan racing and the Primal Fitness P...

In this conversation, the hosts delve into the critical topic of sleep, emphasizing its importance as a performance enhancer. They discuss the role of circadian rhythms, the impact of technology on sleep quality, and the significance of creating a conducive sleep environment. The conversation highlights practical tips for improving sleep hygiene and the necessity of understanding one's own sle...

In this conversation, Matt Roberts discusses the principles of hypertrophy in weight training, emphasising the importance of rep ranges, time under tension, and the quality of form during exercises. He explains how to structure sets for optimal muscle growth and the significance of controlled movements in achieving desired results. Listen On Spotify 👇🏼 ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0y4nKMh3QdRk...

Ep 59: Unmasking the Athlete: Finding Success Through Play, Pleasure, Pain, and Purpose with Paul Ellis In this episode, Matt Roberts sits down with Paul Ellis to explore the journey behind the man. They dive into Paul's life story, his experiences in obstacle course racing, and the training history that shaped him. Paul opens up about the lessons learned through challenge, the masks we all we...