The Matter Mentality Podcast

Coaching the Human Behind the Athlete with Coach Nick Tintle

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. We cover: How lacrosse began as his least favourite sport, and why being “useless” with a stick became the most important lesson of his career The years of wall ball, shooting reps, and weight room work that took him from a 119 pound freshman to a genuine strength and performance athlete Why he coaches the human first and the athlete second, tailoring his approach to what each individual actually needs How to find “fun in the suck” and learn to love the boring work that wins games The life events that reshaped his purpose and led him toward mentoring through sport The role of tough coaches, hard conversations, and breaking an athlete down temporarily so they can be built back up stronger If you are an athlete, coach, or parent who cares about more than highlight reels, this conversation dives into what it truly takes to develop potential, handle adversity, and use sport as a vehicle for life. Grab your tissues; there may be some tears, but the inspiration that follows the tears will make a huge impact on how you view hardship.

The Irony of Peace: Why Boredom Means You’re Winning with Coach Vinny Malts

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 is forged, how to make your “B-game” unshakably strong, and why boredom isn’t the enemy; it’s the sign you’re on the right path.
Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or simply someone striving for consistency in your life, this episode delivers the insights to raise your standard and sustain it.

Coaching The C-Suite - With Special Guest Ali Gilbert

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 executives, unpacking the difference between general fitness coaching and tailoring programs for those at the very top of their industries. If you’re curious about how men’s health intersects with leadership, lifestyle, and peak performance, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Find out more about Ali Gilbert here: https://www.instagram.com/thealigilbert/

You Don’t Belong There Anymore… So What Now? | Think Different Podcast

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 stuck between where they were and where they’re going.
🎧 Listen now and Think Different.
Brought to you by Matter Athletica — where mindset meets performance.

Pat Ivey | The Heart Of Coaching Athletes, Purpose, Environments, and Balance

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 of coaching, how to create purposeful environments, the role of identity and values in performance, and the delicate but essential pursuit of balance for athletes and coaches alike. Pat shares what it takes to lead with impact, coach with intention, and build systems that support both mental and physical growth.
This conversation is for anyone who sees coaching as a craft and wants to better understand the psychology, structure, and soul behind developing high-performing humans.

Special Guest Feature | Josh Settlage - BJJ Strength Coach

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 health as an affiliate with Marek Health 🔬 - Common recovery mistakes fighters make between bouts — and how to fix them early ⚠️
- The biggest myth about nutrition during fight camp 🍽️
- How mindset shifts between fight prep vs. off-season, and how to coach athletes through it
- The challenge of cutting through social media fads to deliver real, sustainable advice 📱 Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fan of combat sports, this episode delivers practical, performance-driven insights to elevate how you train, recover, and think. 👇 Like, subscribe, and share if this episode brought value to your corner!
Find more on Josh: https://www.thestrengthmatrix.com/
Find more on Matter Athletica. www.matterathletica.com

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.