Evolving Performance

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Joel Jamieson, one of the most widely cited authorities on conditioning and energy system development in the world. Joel has trained elite combat sport athletes since 2004 and consulted for organizations from the Navy SEALs to teams in the NFL, NBA, MLS, and NCAA. He is the author of Ultimate MMA Conditioning, created the BioForce HRV system, and developed Morpheus, a training platform that uses daily HRV, sleep, and activity data to individualize heart rate zones.

They start by separating fitness from conditioning — fitness being the measurable physiological qualities, conditioning being how well those qualities integrate to meet a specific demand. Joel explains why heart rate recovery tells you more about repeat sprint ability than VO2 max, how the aerobic system fuels recovery both between reps and across an entire competitive season, and what zone two training actually is beyond the second band on a heart rate monitor. The conversation also covers why the fear that aerobic work makes athletes slower is largely overstated, the real limits of the interference effect, and why fixed heart rate zones misrepresent a body that changes day to day.

This episode offers a clear framework for coaches and athletes looking to build aerobic capacity without sacrificing speed and power, and to understand what actually drives recovery and resilience.

Topics Include:

• Why fitness and conditioning are not the same thing
• Building a performance model to determine what an athlete actually needs
• Why VO2 max poorly predicts repeat sprint performance
• Heart rate recovery as the most underutilized assessment tool
• Reading heart rate recovery between sparring rounds or practice reps
• Resting heart rate vs. HRV — absolute values or direction of change
• The anaerobic speed reserve and how to field test it
• How the aerobic system drives recovery across a competitive season
• What zone two actually is, and why percentage-of-max-HR misses it
• Left ventricular volume vs. contractile strength, and how to train each
• Minimum effective dose for zone two, and why lifting doesn't count
• Why aerobic training won't make athletes slower
• Tempo intervals, high intensity continuous training, and uphill sprints
• When the interference effect is real and when it isn't
• Closing the gap between fitness capacity and game day expression
• Sleep, nutrition, and mental stress as recovery variables
• How Morpheus shifts heart rate zones based on daily recovery

📲 Connect with Joel Jamieson:
Instagram: @coachjoeljamieson
Morpheus: TrainWithMorpheus.com
8 Weeks Out: 8WeeksOut.com

📩 Contact Kevin:
Follow and suggest future guests, topics, and questions: @KevinNeeld
📺 Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance
🧠 Subscribe to the free newsletter: KevinNeeld.com
📬 Email: [email protected]

⏱️ Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Background
[00:01:00] Episode Overview and Sponsor Highlight
[00:05:00] Defining Conditioning vs. Fitness
[00:09:05] Assessments and Building a Performance Model
[00:11:48] Why VO2 Max Falls Short for Repeat Sprint Ability
[00:14:05] Heart Rate Recovery as an Assessment Tool
[00:17:35] Resting Heart Rate vs. HRV
[00:20:22] The Aerobic System's Role in Repeating Speed and Power
[00:23:38] The Anaerobic Speed Reserve and Field Testing
[00:25:28] Aerobic Training, Resilience, and Recovery Mechanisms
[00:28:52] What Zone Two Training Really Is
[00:34:53] Building Heart Size vs. Heart Strength
[00:38:30] Minimum Effective Dose for Zone Two
[00:41:02] Does Aerobic Training Make Athletes Slower?
[00:43:48] Tempo Intervals and High Intensity Continuous Training
[00:45:43] The Interference Effect
[00:48:12] Closing the Gap Between Capacity and Expression
[00:50:30] Readiness, Sleep, and Recovery Factors
[00:53:35] Inside Morpheus

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Mike Potenza, Director of High Performance for the San Jose Sharks. Mike oversees the strength and conditioning, nutrition, and medical staffs for both the Sharks and their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. He previously spent 16 years as the Sharks' head strength and conditioning coach and two years as Director of Performance with the Golden State Warriors.

They explore how high-performance departments have evolved in professional sports, what Mike looks for when hiring across different disciplines, and the importance of character and culture fit. Mike shares impactful lessons from his time in the NBA—including personalized programming and tendon health strategies—and how those insights have changed his approach in hockey. The conversation covers comprehensive athlete profiling through blood work and range of motion assessments, recovery strategies that actually move the needle, and game day preparation techniques to maximize player energy and mental clarity.

This episode provides valuable insights for anyone working in or aspiring to work in professional sports, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support elite athlete performance.

Topics Include:

• The evolution and expansion of high-performance staffs in professional hockey
• What to prioritize when hiring strength coaches, nutritionists, and medical staff
• Why character and culture fit matter more than technical knowledge
• Lessons from the NBA on personalized programming and return-to-play protocols
• Comprehensive athlete profiling: injury history, range of motion, and blood work
• What blood panels reveal about nutrient deficiencies in elite athletes
• Tracking hormonal changes (testosterone and cortisol) throughout the season
• In-season training philosophy: maintaining capacity while developing skills
• Recovery strategies that work: sleep optimization, massage, and contrast therapy
• Game day supplementation protocols for energy and mental clarity
• Travel management and sleep scheduling across time zones
• Why practice times should adjust based on late-night games and travel

📲 Connect with Mike Potenza:
X: @mike_potenza

📩 Contact Kevin:
Follow and suggest future guests, topics, and questions: @KevinNeeld
📺 Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance
🧠 Subscribe to the free newsletter: KevinNeeld.com
📬 Email: [email protected]

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Background 

[00:01:50] Episode Overview and Sponsor Highlight 

[00:05:32] Staff Expansion and the Director of High Performance Role 

[00:09:59] Roles, Responsibilities, and Hiring Philosophy 

[00:18:34] Athlete Profiling, Range of Motion, and Performance Metrics 

[00:21:37] Advanced Blood Work and Biological Monitoring 

[00:31:06] Lessons from the NBA and Tendon Health 

[00:36:50] Modern Recovery Strategies 

[00:45:34] Game Day Preparation and Supplementation 

[00:49:45] Travel Cocooning and Logistics

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Bill Hartman, a world-renowned physical therapist and co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST). Bill is the creator of the Unified Health and Performance Continuum Model, a principles-based framework that examines how the entire human system works together to manage forces and create movement.

They explore how structural biases—an athlete's natural body type—fundamentally shape their potential to develop speed versus strength. Bill explains why certain structures gravitate toward specific sports, the trade-offs of training athletes without accounting for their build, and how to tailor exercise selection to individual biomechanics. The conversation also covers evaluating movement in pain-free athletes, using internal versus external coaching cues, and why "belly breathing" misrepresents proper diaphragm function.

This episode offers essential insights for coaches looking to individualize training and better understand the relationship between structure, movement, and performance.

Topics Include:

• Structural biases that favor speed versus strength development
• Why elite athletes in the same sport share similar body types
• How structure determines pressure distribution and force production capacity
• The "funnel" vs. "pillar" configurations and their performance implications
• Training trade-offs when working against an athlete's natural structure
• Exercise selection strategies for different structural archetypes
• Evaluating movement in athletes without pain or dysfunction
• When to use internal versus external focus in coaching
• Direct assessment of diaphragm function and breathing mechanics
• Why "belly breathing" constrains the thorax and limits movement quality
• Using strategic loading to magnify movement patterns and evolve motor control
• The role of sensory awareness in recapturing relative motion

📲 Connect with Bill Hartman:
Instagram: @bill_hartman_pt
Websites:
➡️ billhartmanpt.com
➡️ UHPC Model
➡️ RECON

📩 Contact Kevin:
Follow and suggest future guests, topics, and questions: @KevinNeeld
📺 Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance
🧠 Subscribe to the free newsletter: KevinNeeld.com
📬 Email: [email protected]

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Bill Hartman
02:00 – Ad read: Metabolic Elite
04:57 – Structural biases in speed vs. strength athletes
08:05 – Body types and sport selection
10:13 – Funnel vs. pillar configurations
12:07 – NFL combine data on structural ratios
14:09 – Tailoring exercise selection to structure
17:12 – Olympic lifting and structural considerations
19:08 – Recognizing structural constraints in training
21:15 – Hockey players and horizontal force application
24:25 – Pressure biases and exercise selection
28:53 – Extreme exhalers and training position
31:38 – Performance vs. structural restoration
36:08 – Movement screens for pain-free athletes
40:09 – Training environment and surface variability
45:18 – Long-term athletic development principles
48:55 – Biological vs. chronological age
53:04 – Growth mindset and continuing education
55:00 – Movement evaluation in pain-free athletes
57:32 – Breathing evaluation and relative motion
01:00:32 – Belly breathing vs. diaphragmatic function
01:01:50 – Connecting with Bill and the UHP Network

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Coach Mike Boyle, one of the most respected and influential figures in strength and conditioning. Mike is the co-founder of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (MBSC), a best-selling author, and a former coach for the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, and U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, among others. His decades of work with youth, collegiate, and professional athletes have shaped modern performance training.

They explore the "big rocks" of athletic development—timeless principles that remain essential even as trends, tools, and tech evolve. Mike shares insights from over 40 years in the field, including how to identify and develop athletes with long-term potential, when kids should begin training, and how parents can best navigate today’s youth sports landscape.

This is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and performance pros looking for clear, experience-backed guidance to help athletes reach their full potential.

Topics Include:

• The “big rocks” of training that outlast fads and technologies
• What separates athletes who make it from those who fall short
• The right age to start formal strength and conditioning
• Key physical and psychological readiness signs in young athletes
• Misconceptions about youth training and growth stunting
• Advice for parents on year-round sports and specialization
• Why most youth athletes don’t need to “play up” to get better
• Signs of overuse and burnout in young athletes
• How to identify appropriate coaching and training environments
• The importance of consistency and long-term planning in development
• Why early success doesn’t always lead to long-term achievement

📲 Connect with Mike Boyle:
Instagram: @michael_boyle1959
Twitter/X: @mboyle1959
Websites:
➡️ CompleteConditioning.com
➡️ BodyByBoyle.com
➡️ MBSC on TrainHeroic
➡️ StrengthCoach.com

📩 Contact Kevin:
Follow and suggest future guests, topics, and questions: @KevinNeeld
📺 Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance
🧠 Subscribe to the free newsletter: KevinNeeld.com
📬 Email: [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Mike Boyle Bio
01:23 – Episode 9 topics

02:11 - Welcoming Mike Boyle to the podcast
04:02 – Coaching vs. technology
07:48 – Strength and consistency
12:28 – Traits of high-potential athletes
16:18 – Training vs. skill in offseason
20:58 – Role acceptance for long-term success
25:58 – Social media and talent myths
28:43 – Ideal age to start training
33:13 – Starting LTAD at 11 vs. 18
36:18 – Lifting and growth: myth vs. fact
39:20 – Long-term development mindset
43:00 – What separates pros
46:00 – Training adjustments with age
47:33 – Parent advice: avoid year-round hype
52:00 – Burnout and D1 predictors
56:00 – Development over tournaments
59:08 – What to look for in coaches/teams
1:03:00 – Where to follow Mike

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Eric Cressey, Director of Player Health and Performance for the New York Yankees and President and co-founder of Cressey Sports Performance. They delve into the importance of developing maximum strength for athletes and key characteristics of effective strength training methods. Eric discusses how to recognize when an athlete is strong enough and ready to pursue other primary training goals, acknowledging the evolution of athletic strength and the role of technology in assessing performance.

They explore whether strength training can lead to reduced mobility and strategies to minimize potential loss in athleticism, particularly for rotational athletes. The conversation further addresses how strength training should evolve from off-season to in-season programs to account for competing demands, emphasizing maintaining strength with minimal volume during the competitive season. Finally, they cover critical aspects like the impact of athlete lifestyle habits (including sleep), managing injury history, and the importance of mentorship for young coaches in the evolving landscape of sports performance. This episode provides actionable insights for coaches and athletes looking to optimize training adaptation and career longevity.

Topics Include:

• The importance of developing maximum strength for athletes.
• Recognizing when an athlete is strong enough to shift training focus.
• How strength training can impact mobility and athleticism.
• Training considerations for rotational athletes.
• Evolving strength training from off-season to in-season programs.
• The role of technology in assessing and guiding strength development.
• Strategies for maintaining strength with low volume in-season.
• The critical role of sleep in athlete performance and recovery.
• Balancing physical stressors with broader life stressors for athletes.
• The value of mentorship for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches.

📲 Connect with Eric: EricCressey.com | Instagram: @ericcressey

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Eric Cressey

01:23 – Why strength is foundational for athletic development
03:22 – The impact of strength training on movement and conditioning
06:55 – How strong is strong enough?
08:21 – Using data and technology to guide individualized programming
10:27 – Balancing strength development with movement quality
14:00 – Adapting training as athletes age and progress
16:28 – Key considerations for rotational athletes
18:31 – The role of bilateral and unilateral lower body training
21:30 – Principles of effective in-season strength programming
25:38 – Managing training through the demands of a long season
29:34 – Balancing immediate performance with long-term development
33:03 – Top recovery strategies: Sleep, nutrition, hydration
36:14 – Managing stress and recovery in high-performance settings
38:09 – Periodizing year-round training for sustained progress
44:17 – Practical use of foam rolling and recovery tools
48:09 – Guidance for young coaches: Mentorship, reps, and soft skills
55:14 – Final thoughts on growth and coaching longevity
56:01 – Where to follow Eric and learn more about CSP internships

Contact Kevin:

• Follow me and suggest future guests, topics and questions: @KevinNeeld
• Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance
• Get access to my FREE newsletter: KevinNeeld.com

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Mike Robertson, President of Robertson Training Systems and co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST), named one of the top ten gyms in America by Men's Health. They explore the foundational principles of program design, individualizing training, and navigating the complexities of an athlete's career. Mike introduces his "7 Rs" framework for building effective training programs, emphasizing the importance of every component from warm-ups to recovery.

They dive into Mike's athlete assessment process, which includes identifying limitations and opportunities through conversation, movement analysis, and objective data. The discussion also covers the balance between performance gains and durability, including how risk tolerance in training should evolve across an athlete's career. Finally, they outline strategies for training post-injury, emphasizing psychological support and using recovery periods for holistic development. This episode offers actionable insights for coaches and athletes aiming to optimize adaptation and career longevity.

Topics Include:

• The “7 Rs” framework for effective program design
• Educating clients on the “why” behind their training
• Athlete assessment and using objective data
• Balancing performance gains with durability
• Adapting training to career stage and sport schedule
• Programming and supporting injured athletes
• Consistency’s role in long-term development
• Exercises to restore movement capacity
• Using isometrics and eccentrics in early offseason

📲 Connect with Jim: RobertsonTrainingSystems.com | Instagram: @robtrainsystems

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and intro to Mike Robertson
 01:29 – Mike’s influence on the podcast and programming approach
 04:34 – The origin and breakdown of the “7 Rs” framework
 06:18 – Educating clients and the impact of effective warm-ups
 11:14 – Mike’s assessment process and use of objective data
 15:31 – Video feedback and building confident training plans
 19:18 – Follow-up testing and performance vs. movement balance
 23:36 – Training buckets: Mobility, Neural Output, Metabolic
 24:50 – Offseason strategies and avoiding interference effects
 28:45 – Exercises to restore movement and enhance durability
 33:34 – Risk tolerance and adjusting training across career stages
 37:33 – Adapting to different sport calendars
 42:10 – Holistic return-to-play strategies and mindset during injury
 46:13 – Feedback loops and the importance of consistency
 50:49 – Q&A: Improving hip IR and early offseason strategies
 54:48 – Where to connect with Mike and his resources

Supporting High Performance
Metabolic Elite's entire line is designed to specifically support the health, performance, and recovery of high performers. Each product is formulated using research-supported ingredients and dosages using the highest quality ingredients, so you can be confident that every product you take will deliver the maximal benefit and effect.

Check out why Metabolic Elite's Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper

Save 15% using the code 'neeld15' at checkout here: Metabolic

Contact Kevin:

• Follow me and suggest future guests, topics and questions: @KevinNeeld
• Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance
• Get access to my FREE newsletter: KevinNeeld.com
• Email me: [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by clinical pharmacist, author, and metabolic health expert Jim LaValle to dive deep into the interconnected systems that underpin human health and performance. Jim introduces his “Five Triads” framework—an integrative approach that helps identify root causes of fatigue, poor recovery, gut dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. They explore how stress, inflammation, and training load affect everything from decision-making and stamina to resilience and hormone production.

Jim outlines actionable strategies for optimizing metabolic function using lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted supplementation—offering practical solutions for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving to improve energy, recovery, and long-term health. This conversation is packed with insight and real-world applications for maximizing both performance and durability.

Topics Include:

• The importance of viewing health through interconnected systems
• How cortisol disrupts multiple systems at once
• Gut-brain-immune dysfunction in athletes
• What your resting heart rate and HRV reveal about your readiness
• Supplements and lifestyle tools to restore balance across the triads
• Nutrition strategies to reduce inflammation and improve sleep
• Why testosterone might be the wrong place to start
• Foundational habits to support resilience and longevity

📲 Connect with Jim: JimLaValle.com | Instagram: @therealjimlavalle

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Jim LaValle
01:58 – Why interconnected systems matter more than isolated biomarkers
03:42 – Overview of the Five Triads
03:58 – Triad 1: Adrenal–Thyroid–Pancreas (The Energy Triad)
06:56 – Symptoms and interventions for Triad 1 dysfunction
08:21 – Triad 2: Gut–Immune–Brain (The Resiliency Triad)
11:58 – Brain inflammation, reaction time, and decision-making in sport
14:18 – Triad 3: Cardiopulmonary–Neurovascular (Endurance & Stamina)
17:09 – Blood pressure, microcapillaries, and recovery capacity
20:21 – Triad 4: Liver–Lymph–Kidney (Detoxification)
23:36 – Triad 5: Sex Hormones (Potency and Strength)
26:10 – Where to start if multiple triads are showing dysfunction
30:23 – Why root causes often lie in Triads 1 and 2
32:52 – The bidirectional relationship between gut and brain health
36:06 – Lifestyle strategies to improve immune resilience during a season
39:32 – Foundational sleep, food, and mindset habits for high performers
43:51 – Core supplements for gut, brain, and mitochondrial health
45:59 – Q&A: Interpreting lipid panels and LDL/HDL ratios
47:39 – Q&A: Underrated supplements for performance
50:06 – Q&A: How much time Jim spends reading and studying research
51:06 – Where to connect with Jim LaValle

Supporting High Performance
Metabolic Elite's entire line is designed to specifically support the health, performance, and recovery of high performers. Each product is formulated using research-supported ingredients and dosages using the highest quality ingredients, so you can be confident that every product you take will deliver the maximal benefit and effect.

Check out why Metabolic Elite's Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper

Save 15% using the code 'neeld15' at checkout here: Metabolic Elite

My personal go-to's:

• To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: Synapsin
• To improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra Cur
• To support the immune sys

In this episode, Brijesh Patel discusses the critical role that leadership, character, and daily habits play in athlete development and long-term success, including:

• What coaches are really evaluating during recruiting and playing time decisions
• Common behavioral red flags that predict performance and developmental issues
• How to develop athletes who can handle adversity and lead themselves and others
• Practical strategies for improving mindset, communication, and resilience
• What athletes wish they had done differently earlier in their careers
• The habits and tools that help players thrive at the professional level

Evolve with Brijesh:

Instagram: @bpatel515
Website: CoachBPatel.com

Supporting High Performance
Metabolic Elite's entire line is designed to specifically support the health, performance, and recovery of high performers. Each product is formulated using research-supported ingredients and dosages using the highest quality ingredients, so you can be confident that every product you take will deliver the maximal benefit and effect.

Check out why Metabolic Elite's Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper

Save 15% using the code 'neeld15' at checkout here: Metabolic Elite

My personal go-to's:

• To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: Synapsin
• To improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra Cur
• To support the immune system and weight management: Viraxall
• To improve digestive health: Max 12 Probiotic

Contact Kevin:

Follow me and suggest future guests, topics and questions: @KevinNeeld
Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance
Get access to my FREE newsletter: KevinNeeld.com
Email me: [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Andrew Hauser discusses the significant impact respiratory training can have on both performance and recovery, including:

• The science of breathing and how the relationship between carbon dioxide and oxygen can impact performance 
• Specific breathing strategies to immediately impact short-term performance
• Longer-term adaptations to respiratory training
• Programming recommendations on how different breathing methods align with more traditional training practices
• Where athletes should start with respiratory training and objective measures to monitor progress

Evolve with Andrew:

• Instagram: @andrew_hauser_atsc
• Website: Continuum High Performance

Supporting High Performance
Metabolic Elite's entire line is designed to specifically support the health, performance, and recovery of high performers. Each product is formulated using research-supported ingredients and dosages using the highest quality ingredients, so you can be confident that every product you take will deliver the maximal benefit and effect.

Check out why Metabolic Elite's Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper

Save 15% using the code 'neeld15' at checkout here: Metabolic Elite

My personal go-to's:

• To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: Synapsin
• To improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra Cur
• To support the immune system and weight management: Viraxall
• To improve digestive health: Max 12 Probiotic

Contact Kevin:

• Follow me and suggest future guests, topics and questions: @KevinNeeld
• Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance
• Get access to my FREE newsletter: KevinNeeld.com
• Email me: [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

In this episode, renowned hypertrophy expert Pat Davidson does a deep dive on building muscle, including:

• The required stimulus for hypertrophy – what is required for your body to put on muscle
• Key training considerations to maximize muscular development
• How the longstanding assumption that a specific hormonal response to training was required for building muscle may be misguided
• Special considerations for athletes that want to put on muscle
• What “hard gainers” – people that really struggle to put on muscle – can do to maximize their progress
• Key nutrition and supplementation strategies to maximize hypertrophy

Evolve with Pat:

• Instagram: @dr.patdavidson
• Website: DrPatDavdison.net

Supporting High Performance
Metabolic Elite's entire line is designed to specifically support the health, performance, and recovery of high performers. Each product is formulated using research-supported ingredients and dosages using the highest quality ingredients, so you can be confident that every product you take will deliver the maximal benefit and effect.

Check out why Metabolic Elite's Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper

Save 15% using the code 'neeld15' at checkout here: Metabolic Elite

My personal go-to's:

• To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: Synapsin
• To improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra Cur
• To support the immune system and weight management: Viraxall
• To improve digestive health: Max 12 Probiotic