The Matter Mentality Podcast

Coach Kav is a 6x Olympic Coach whose work extends far beyond the platform of elite sport. Known for his ability to develop high performers under pressure, Kav has spent years refining the systems, standards, and leadership principles that shape world-class athletes, while also translating those same principles into business, leadership, and organisational performance. In this episode with Ben, th...

This episode breaks down what coaching actually is, and where most people get it wrong. We’re joined by Phil Gerard, Head Coach of Altered HP and part of the PreScript Nutrition team, to unpack the difference between writing training programs and actually coaching a human being. The conversation moves beyond sets and reps and into the full scope of what a coach is responsible for. Environment, beh...

What if the biggest gap in modern coaching isn’t programming, knowledge, or intensity; but leadership? In this conversation, Ben sits down with Chris “Tex” McQuilkin from Captains & Coaches to unpack the missing link in athlete development: social-emotional leadership. This episode goes beyond sets, reps, and performance metrics, diving into the role coaches play in shaping not just athletes,...

Most gym cultures start as a byproduct of the founder being present every day. Standards, values, and expectations are lived out in real time. But as a coaching business grows, culture can’t rely on proximity anymore. It has to be translated into systems, language, and leadership that the entire team can carry forward. In this episode, Ben breaks down with CJ Appenzeller, the founder of ATS Streng...

In this episode of the Matter Mentality Podcast, Ben sits down with a friend, accredited nutritionist, and physique coach, Brandon DaCruz, for a raw conversation on adversity, identity, and what real transformation actually requires. Brendan is an online nutrition coach, internationally published fitness model, national-level NPC competitor, and a professional who has worked with thousands of clie...

Most people understand the primary drivers of hypertrophy: mechanical tension, load, and progression. What they miss are the secondary and tertiary factors that determine whether those drivers can be accessed consistently. In this episode, Ben sits down with Mike T. Nelson to unpack how aerobic fitness, recovery, conditioning, diet quality, and training simplicity quietly shape muscle growth. They...

Coach Nick Tindle went from an “all-American stud” on the field to one of the most respected lacrosse performance coaches in the game. It did not happen overnight, and it certainly was not easy. In this episode of the Matter Mentality Podcast, we sit down with Nick, founder and head coach of The Lacrosse Barn in Texas, to unpack the real process behind building elite athletes and resilient humans....

Performance isn’t just about what happens under the lights. In this conversation, Ben sits down with Coach Vinny Malts to unpack the mindset shifts that separate good from great. Together, they explore how every daily input matters, why high performance often feels repetitive, and how to protect your cognitive currency to avoid decision fatigue. You’ll learn why the boring middle is where success...

In this episode, Ben sits down with our dear friend Ali Gilbert - widely known as the “Queen of Men’s Health.” Ali has carved out a niche working with high-level executives in the C-suite, where the pressures of leadership demand a very different coaching approach than the average client. They dive into the unique challenges and strategies of optimizing health, performance, and longevity for execu...

In this episode, we unpack the uncomfortable but necessary truth: outgrowing old environments, mindsets, and even people. What do you do when the place, group, or identity you once fit into… no longer aligns with who you're becoming? We explore how to navigate that growth, find new circles that elevate you, and create space for bigger opportunities in your life. This ones for anyone who’s felt stu...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Pat Ivey — former NFL athlete, high-performance expert, and powerhouse in the world of sport psychology and strength & conditioning. With decades of experience coaching elite athletes and cultivating high-performance environments, Pat brings a wealth of insight into what it really means to coach beyond the sets, reps, and tactics. We go deep into the heart...

In this powerhouse episode of the Matter Mentality Podcast, we’re joined by performance coach and BJJ practitioner Josh Settlage to explore the intersection of combat sports, strength programming, and athlete longevity. We dive into: - The core principles Josh insists on when structuring a strength program and his lessons from his own bodybuilding career🏋️‍♂️ - His diagnostic approach to fighter h...

In this episode of the Matter Mentality Podcast, we sit down with Aram Grigorian to explore one of the most crucial dynamics in coaching: striking a balance between empathy and accountability. As coaches, it’s easy to lean too far one way—either becoming overly sympathetic and losing progress, or pushing too hard and missing the emotional cues that matter. Aram shares real-world experience on how...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most confronting—and liberating—ideas you can adopt: radical extreme ownership. We explore why personal ownership and full accountability aren't just buzzwords, but non-negotiables for real growth, self-leadership, and long-term progression. No more outsourcing responsibility. No more blame. Just the raw truth: the moment you take full ownership of your act...

In this episode, we sit down with professional lacrosse player and coach Jack Posey, whose journey from a finance and business background into elite sport is anything but linear. From being honored as the "Ultimate Teammate" at Penn State with the prestigious #11 jersey, to navigating the mental and physical toll of an ACL injury, Jack opens up about the pivotal moments that reshaped his identity...

On this episode of the Matter Mentality podcast, Ben is joined by Andrew Coates, a respected coach, writer, and voice of reason in the ever-evolving fitness industry. Together, they dive deep into what’s changing in the world of coaching and what should never be lost. They unpack the rise of systemised pathways and surface-level solutions, reflecting on a time when finding a great coach meant more...

In this episode of The Matter Mentality Podcast, Ben sits down with renowned health and performance expert Erik Bustillo to explore how corporate wellness programs can transform not just employee health but overall business efficiency and team performance. They dive into the vital role of leadership buy-in, the science-backed benefits of wellness-first cultures, and how creating a healthier work e...

Welcome to Thinking Different — a series where we train the unseen work. In Episode 1, we start at the foundation: The First Question. “Am I capable of more?” It’s the thought that quietly echoes before any real change begins. Before you chase progress, transformation, or performance, this is the moment you face yourself. In this 10-minute exploration, we break down: Why this question matters more...

In this exclusive episode, Ben sits down with Luke Leaman, one of the industry’s most respected minds in performance coaching, biomechanics, and strength education. But this conversation goes beyond just training—it’s a deep dive into business, coaching, relationships, and even their favorite nerd hobbies. Luke and Ben break down the truth about training, coaching, and what most people get wrong a...

On this episode of The Matter Mentality Podcast, we sit down with renowned bodybuilder and coach Austin Stout to dive deep into the realities of longevity in the sport. From recovery strategies and managing stress to the philosophy behind intelligent training and coaching, Austin shares his wealth of experience in both competing and guiding athletes to long-term success. Whether you’re an aspiring...

What does gym floor experience really teach a coach, and how does it translate to the online space? In this episode, we sit down with Coach Brando to break down the key methods of approach for online coaching, the lessons only in-person training can provide, and where the industry often falls short in bridging the gap between the two. Whether you're a coach looking to refine your process or an ath...

On today's episode of the Matter Mentality Podcast, Ben interviews Dr. Umar Nisar who we had the pleasure of meeting in Jersey while on a stop over to see our good friend CJ. Dr. Umar specialises in Performance and Recovery but also creates an environment for the mentalities he works with closely to exist. With names like Nick Walker on his books, he explains the importance of client-centric appro...

In this episode of the Matter Menality Podcast, Ben interviews Max Waldron, the owner of The Performance Hub Gym. Together they bring their complimenting view of in-person and online coaching styles, and why ethical and humanistic approaches to coaching seem to be rarer than in the olden days when coaches took the time to understand their athletes and clients to understand what makes them tick, wh...

In this episode of the Matter Mentality Podcast, we interview Steven Granzella, better known as "Smokey" which you will learn about in the episode, alongside his strong standing career in Powerlifting, Steven is also the Marketing Director for Marek Health. Marek Health is currently one of the most rapidly expanding and accessible health clinic services in the United States. Bringing extensive tes...