Everyone says they want it — the scholarship, the championship, the next level. But few are actually willing to put in the effort.
In this episode, Coach Matrixx and Coach Myles dig into the uncomfortable truth about effort: most athletes overestimate how hard they work and underestimate what real commitment looks like. They unpack the difference between wanting it and wishing for it, the honesty required to align your actions with your ambitions, and why elite aspirations can’t coexist with recreational effort.
This isn’t a motivational pep talk — it’s a gut check. The coaches discuss what genuine effort feels like, how to build it day after day, and why self-awareness and honesty might be the most underrated performance tools you have.
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I want to play at the next level,” this one’s for you. It’s time to stop wishing — and start trying.
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Forty episodes deep — and we finally got the mics working (mostly). In this special milestone episode, Coach Trixx, Coach Myles, and Coach Aidan sit down to reflect on what 40 episodes of Performance Matters has taught us — from the best moments and biggest lessons to the behind-the-scenes chaos you never hear about.
We talk technical disasters, favorite guests, least favorite edits, and how this whole podcast thing has shaped the way we coach, think, and grow. It’s honest, unfiltered, and full of the usual laughs you’d expect when the boys get behind the mics.
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In this episode, Coach Matrixx and Coach Myles crack open the vault — sharing the untold stories that shaped them as coaches. From the chaotic training days and athlete meltdowns to breakthrough moments and brutal lessons, nothing’s off limits. This is what coaching actually looks like when the cameras aren’t rolling.
If you’ve ever wondered what separates good coaches from lifers — this is it.
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This week's podcast episode is historical as, for the first time, Coach Aidan and Coach Myles are on the podcast together!
This episode dives into the advanced principles that separate good programs from great ones. We explore how to go beyond sets and reps — mastering periodization, load management, and true individualization for every athlete.
You’ll learn how to connect strength, power, and speed in ways that actually transfer to performance, and why elite coaches blend science with intuition. Plus, we tackle some of the biggest programming myths holding coaches back — from “more variety equals better results” to “advanced training means complex exercises.”
Tune in for practical insights that’ll make your programming smarter, sharper, and more impactful!
Internships can make or break the next wave of strength coaches—but not all internships are created equal. In this episode of Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx and Myles break down what really makes a good intern, where academia often misses the mark, and the responsibilities both interns and mentors carry.
From red flags to success stories, we dig into the realities of the internship experience and share what separates a “check-the-box” placement from a career-shaping opportunity.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out as an intern—or how to build a program that actually develops coaches—this is the episode you’ll want to hear.
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n this episode, I sit down with longtime friend and pro hockey player Johnny Curran to talk about his journey through the game. From growing up in Niagara and developing his game through junior hockey, to earning his spot in Division 1 and making the jump to the professional level, Johnny shares the lessons and experiences that have shaped him along the way.
We get into the role of strength and conditioning in his development, what life as a pro hockey player is really like, and how he’s handling his biggest challenge so far — rehabbing from a torn ACL.
This is a conversation about training, growth, and what it takes to keep chasing the game at the highest level. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or hockey fan, Johnny’s story will give you a new perspective on the dedication it takes to succeed.
Evan MacDonald’s wrestling career took him to the highest stage — the 2004 Olympic Games — but his story is about much more than medals and matches. It’s about the sacrifices nobody sees, the politics behind the sport, and the brutal reality of chasing a dream that doesn’t always love you back.
In this raw conversation, Evan opens up about walking into the Olympic arena, the crushing neck injury that changed everything, and his fight against a system that nearly shut the door on his career. We dig into the identity crisis that follows when the singlet comes off, the pressure of being both a coach and a partner, and what it really takes to transition from combat on the mat to competition in the business world.
This episode isn’t just about wrestling — it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the fight to define yourself beyond the spotlight. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the Olympic flame burns out, Evan’s story pulls no punches.
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In this episode of the Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx and Aidan pull back the curtain on one of the most talked-about tools in sport science: the force plate. We dive into what the data actually means, which numbers we care about (and which ones are just noise), and how we connect those metrics to real-world sport performance. From different jumps to sport transfers, we break down how force plates reveal strengths, weaknesses, and progress that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Whether you’re a coach trying to program smarter, an athlete looking to squeeze out every ounce of performance, or just someone curious about how data shapes training decisions, this deep dive will give you a clearer lens on the numbers under your feet—and why they matter more than you think.
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In-season is chaotic—games, practices, travel, fatigue—and somehow training has to fit in the middle of it all. In this episode, we’re going rapid-fire style, tackling the most common (and most misunderstood) questions about in-season training. What gets prioritized when the schedule is jam-packed? How do you keep performance sharp without adding unnecessary fatigue? We’ll cover recovery strategies, training dosages, and the real-world adjustments coaches need to make when the season’s grind takes over. No fluff, just quick, practical answers at game speed—because when it’s in-season, every rep matters.
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In this episode of Performance Matters, Matrixx and Myles tackle one of the biggest pitfalls in youth sports — when well-meaning parents make the wrong calls about training.
From tossing kids into the weight room with no guidance, to undervaluing the role of professional coaching, the guys break down how these decisions can stall progress, increase risk, and hold athletes back from their true potential.
With the recent River Lions championship win as a backdrop, they highlight why structured training, mindset, and commitment are non-negotiable for success.
This episode is a wake-up call for parents: if you want your kid to excel, stop cutting corners and start asking better questions.
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From a young junior hockey player with big dreams to wearing the “C” as an NCAA Division 1 captain, “Iron” Mike Craig has built his career on consistency, discipline, and an unshakable work ethic. Over the past seven years, he’s faced the grind head-on — the early mornings, the setbacks, the pressure — and turned those challenges into fuel for growth.
In this episode, Mike opens up about the highs and lows of his hockey journey, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what it truly takes to lead at the highest level of college hockey. His story is proof that long-term dedication pays off — both on the ice and in life.
In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, Matrixx and Aidan pull back the curtain on the realities of strength and conditioning.
They break down the key differences between in-season and off-season training, why intent matters more than volume, and how adaptability can make or break a coach—especially when working with youth athletes.
The guys share lessons learned from early career missteps, vent about common industry frustrations, and highlight the importance of building real relationships in coaching.
Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just getting started, this conversation delivers hard-earned insights you can put to work right away.
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In this episode of Performance Matters Podcast, Chris Rao — head coach of the Lakehead women’s basketball team — breaks down what it really takes to lead at the collegiate level. From cutting his teeth as a young coach to managing pro athletes and now university players, Chris shares how he builds trust, culture, and accountability in every locker room he steps into.
He dives into the recruiting grind, the pressure of allocating playing time, and what young athletes need to hear. For up-and-coming coaches, this one’s packed with hard-earned advice on seizing opportunities, building relationships, and making an impact beyond the court.
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This episode cuts through the noise. We sit down with David Kitchen of Edge Leadership Academy to talk real leadership—not the feel-good fluff, but the kind that builds teams, cultures, and winners.
We dive deep into the pillars of leadership, the difference between message and tone, and why clarity beats comfort when it comes to building high-performance environments. Kitchen breaks down why being direct isn’t cruel—it’s necessary—and how leaders who prioritize tone over truth often fail their teams.
We also get into the importance of defining what success actually looks like. If your people don’t know what "winning" means, how can they chase it? This conversation is about setting the standard, owning your message, and being willing to lead even when it’s uncomfortable.
If you’re in the business of building culture, demanding excellence, or leading people through hard things—this one’s for you.
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In this episode, we sit down with pro basketball player Eddie Ekiyor to talk about the mindset it takes to come back from injury and keep moving forward. Eddie opens up about his own comeback journey, shedding light on the physical and mental grind behind the scenes. We also dive into the shifting landscape of athlete recruitment, exploring how the game has changed from Eddie’s college days to now. Plus, we get into the real differences between the college and the pro ranks — what athletes think it’s like versus what it actually is. This one’s packed with insight for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating the world of high-performance sport.
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This episode of the PMP is a no-holds-barred dive into the realities of high-level performance. We’re talking athlete accountability—what it really means to show up, stay consistent, and take ownership of your development. We get into the mindset and habits that separate those who say they want it from those who actually do the work to earn it.
But it’s not all fire and brimstone—we also take a moment to celebrate some of the athletes in our crew who are absolutely crushing it right now. From major milestones to quiet wins that speak volumes, we’re giving props where props are due.
If you’re an athlete looking to level up, a coach trying to lead better, or just someone who appreciates straight talk and strong culture, this one’s got something for you.
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There’s no room for guesswork in coaching — especially when athletes start asking real questions. In this episode, Matrixx and Myles dive into the kinds of questions every coach should be able to answer: Why are we doing this lift? What’s a taper? How strong is strong enough? What do ratios actually tell us? And is injury prevention even real, or just a marketing buzzword?
They also unpack what it means to train with intent — why every athlete at IPC gets an individualized program card instead of following some random whiteboard workout. If you’re just copying and pasting sessions or throwing drills together with no real purpose, this one might sting. But if you're serious about coaching with clarity, direction, and standards, you're exactly who this episode is for.
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In this episode, Coach Manny and Matrixx dive into the key differences between European and Western styles of strength and conditioning. They explore how culture shapes sport, the evolving landscape of youth sports, and wrap it up with a rapid-fire Q&A on the latest sport science technologies. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sport enthusiast, this conversation offers fresh insights into training philosophies and the future of performance.
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In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, Matrixx sits down with Ashley Kowalewski—better known as AK—a powerhouse strength and conditioning coach at LSU. They dive deep into the real work behind high performance: from managing training load and recovery to building athlete autonomy, trust, and resilience. AK opens up about her journey into elite sport, the challenges women face in the field, and why mentorship and connection matter more than ever.
The conversation blends science and soul—covering everything from data-informed coaching and psychological readiness to community, coffee culture, and AK’s go-to training tools. You’ll hear laughs, lessons, and even a round of ‘F*ck, Marry, Kill: Exercise Edition.’ Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just a fan of meaningful conversations, this one hits heavy.
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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jordan Shallow — chiropractor, strength coach, and founder of Pre-Script — to talk about the massive disconnect between rehab and performance. From biomechanics to athletic development, we break down why athletes are falling through the cracks and what needs to change. Expect straight talk on strength, nervous system training, and why “corrective” doesn’t always mean effective. If you work with athletes, this one’s a must-listen.
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