The Matter Mentality 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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