The Matter Mentality Podcast

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.

Special Guest feature | Dr. Umar Nisar | Asylum Sports Performance & Recovery

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 approaches in business, how he got to where he is now, what trends he sees in the industry, and where many fall down on their way to success. Dr. Umar embraces a philosophy much like our own so to have had the honour to call him a friend from across the pond is truly an honor indeed!

Special Guest Feature | Max Waldron | Ethical Coaching

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, what helps them perform, and the times in which an individual requires empathy from their coach. A great listen for athletes and coaches who currently run businesses.

Special Guest Feature | Steven Granzella | Marek Health

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 testing and making this more accessible to athletes and the individual, alongside endless education and online consultations, they have changed and advanced the medical accessibility game beyond anything we have ever seen before!

Special Guest Feature - Dr. Max Draper from Alphagenix

In this episode of the Matter Mentality Podcast - Ben interviews one of the greatest leaders in the space of medical TRT for men's health. Dr. Max Draper.
Dr. Max Draper is a leading consultant physician at Alphagenix, a UK-based clinic specializing in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). With a deep passion for improving men's health, Dr. Draper is recognized for his expertise in diagnosing and treating low testosterone and its impact on mental, physical, and sexual well-being. His approach combines medical precision with lifestyle guidance, aiming to help patients achieve vitality and long-term health.