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

In this episode, Maria Mountain, who specializes in goalie-specific training for hockey, shares her insights on:

• What makes the goalie position unique from forwards and defensemen and the implications this has for off-ice training
• Why certain methods lead to goalies “over pushing” and getting out of position, and specific strategies to fix the issue
• The role of strength training for goalies, and important information for goalies who don’t want to get too “bulky”
• Differences in the conditioning demands of practices and games for goalies, and how coaches can alter drills to improve their goalies’ development
• Key considerations for avoiding hip injuries and maximizing durability throughout the season

In this episode, Maria provides several practical examples of exercises goalies should integrate into their routines. I'd highly encourage you to watch the video of this episode on my YouTube channel (Goalie-Specific Training) and to check out her social channels below, which are packed with exercise demos for goalies. 

Evolve with Maria:

• Instagram: @GoalieTraining
• YouTube: @GoalieTraining
• Website: GoalieTrainingPro.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

In this episode, Vicki Bendus shares incredible insights into speed training for hockey, including:

• Key findings from her research on identifying the most impactful physical factors and related off-ice tests for on-ice speed
• Speed profiling strategies to identify where a player ranks relative to their peers and what qualities they need to improve to maximize their speed
• Specific training strategies players can use to improve their speed
• The difference between acceleration and max velocity, how each impacts the game and different training methods to improve each
• Important age-specific considerations and how to maximize speed in older players
• Impactful strategies to improve speed during the season

Evolve with Vicki:

• New publication: Linear skating speed key performance indicators in ice hockey: global or cohort-dependent?
• Instagram: @VickiBendus
• Twitter: @VickiBendus

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

Welcome to episode 0 of the Evolving Performance Podcast!

As a quick introduction, my name is Kevin Neeld, and I’m currently the Director of Performance for the Boston Bruins. Prior to working in pro hockey, I spent time with USA Hockey’s women’s national team, and as a director at a private sports training facility working with athletes across a wide range of levels and sports. In 2020, I got my PhD in Human and Sport Performance and continue to stay actively engaged in research through serving on committees for master’s and doctoral students.

The goal of this podcast is to identify topics that can have a meaningful impact on an athletes performance, their durability, their adaptation to training and their career longevity – and to bring on experts on those specific topics to help share practical insights that athletes and people working with athletes can start implementing immediately.

I’ve been very fortunate across my career to network with some incredible performance coaches, rehab and medical professionals, researchers and educators, athletes and coaches that we’ll welcome as guests on the podcast so you can benefit from their knowledge and experience like I have.

One of my other big goals with this is to involve you as much as possible. It’s important to me that the guests I bring on and the information shared on the podcast are actually helping you. As the listener, you will have a say both in what guests come on and what topics and questions we discuss. To start, I’ll be posting these types of requests for guests or questions for specific guests through my Instagram account (@KevinNeeld) so be sure to give me a follow there to keep up to date. 

So if you’re an athlete or you work with athletes, this podcast is going to be a great resource to help you learn new or more efficient ways to keep evolving your game.