The Matter Mentality Podcast

The Art of Coaching: Balancing Empathy & Accountability w/ Aram Grigorian

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 to lead with compassion without sacrificing standards, and how to challenge your clients in a way that still makes them feel seen, heard, and supported.
Whether you're a trainer, mentor, or leader, this conversation will deepen your understanding of what it really means to guide someone through lasting change.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
How to build trust while still holding the line
The cost of avoiding tough conversations
Knowing when empathy is enabling
How to coach for both results and retention
🧠 For more on performance, coaching, and the human experience, head to www.matterathletica.com

THINK DIFFERENT | Radical Extreme Ownership: The Path to True Progress

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 actions, choices, and mindset, everything changes.
Whether you're trying to evolve as an athlete, coach, leader, or individual, this conversation cuts deep into the uncomfortable—but essential—reality of what it really takes to progress.
🧠 It’s not motivation.🔥 It’s not hustle.✅ It’s ownership.
Let’s unpack it.

Jack Posey | Athlete Identity, Injury, and Purpose Beyond the Game

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 as both an athlete and a coach.
We explore:
The mindset shift from injury to opportunity
What the #11 jersey really means at Penn State
His journey to being drafted by the Carolina Chaos post-injury
Coaching philosophies and redefining performance
Athlete identity beyond sport, and how to evolve when the game ends
This episode is a raw and powerful insight into the highs, lows, and redefining moments of a career in sport—and what remains when the potential arises that it might all get stripped away...
 
We hope you enjoy. We would love to hear any feedback or thoughts on the episode! 
Thanks for listening

Authenticity In Coaching - With Special Guest - Andrew Coates

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 than flashy marketing. It meant empathy, lived experience, and a deep love for the craft. Andrew shares his take on how the human touch, real understanding, presence, and connection can’t be replaced, no matter how efficient the systems become.
This conversation is a timely reminder of what coaching was built on, and what it must return to if it’s to remain meaningful in the years ahead.
A must-listen for coaches who care.

The Missing Link in Workplace Performance: Wellness-First Leadership with Erik Bustillo

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 environment leads to sharper thinking, greater productivity, and better outcomes across the board. Erik and Ben unpack why wellbeing initiatives work best when integrated from the top down, and how they become powerful drivers of long-term success and staff satisfaction. Whether you're a business owner, leader, or team member, this conversation sheds light on how investing in human health is investing in your company’s future.

THINK DIFFERENT | The First Question – Am I Capable of More?

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 than motivation
How it initiates ownership, not just action
What it reveals about your current identity
How to respond to it with more than just hype
Whether you're an athlete, a coach, a professional, or someone seeking to level up, this is where your internal reps begin.
Hit play. Ask better questions. Build a stronger foundation. If you are new to Matter Athletica, you can find out more about us via our website: www.matterathletica.com

Special Guest & IFBB Wellness Pro - Olivia Oneid!

Special Guest Feature | The Muscle Nerd Himself - Luke Leaman!

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 about progression and longevity in the industry. They also explore what it takes to build a coaching career from the ground up, navigate the challenges of business and relationships, and, of course, geek out over their favorite games, history, and various sci-fi universes.
This episode is packed with raw insights, practical takeaways, and plenty of laughs—whether you’re a coach, athlete, or just someone who loves learning from two guys who live and breathe this industry.

Special Guest Feature | Austin Stout

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 competitor or a seasoned lifter, this conversation is packed with insights to help you train smarter, recover better, and stay in the game for the long haul.

Special Guest feature | Coach Brando Caron | What The Gym Floor Tranlates to Online

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 athlete curious about what makes quality coaching, this conversation is worth a listen.