In this gritty and powerful episode of the Obstacle Dominator podcast, we dive headfirst into the chaos, carnage, and camaraderie of World’s Toughest Mudder 2025—one of the most iconic and demanding 24-hour obstacle course races on the planet.

Host Matt Roberts is joined by a warrior crew of primal athletes:
Meredith Todd, Simon Briggs, Gaz Oakley, and support man Paul Ellis, along with ultra-endurance coach Matt Chinn, the mastermind behind their preparation.

Together, we break down:

• What World’s Toughest Mudder really is

• The exact training and mindset required to show up ready

• The distances, durations, and brutal obstacles faced

• Gaz’s monumental 75-mile finish

• Meredith’s 70 miles and 2nd place age group podium

• Simon’s battle through 60 miles of mud and grit

• The mental and emotional hardship of racing through the night

• The power of community, accountability, and true team spirit

Whether you're preparing for your first ultra-endurance event or chasing the next level of human potential, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and raw experience to fuel your journey.

🎧 Listen now:
Apple Podcasts 👇🏼
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/obstacle-dominator-podcast-by-matt-roberts/id1772898140

Spotify 👇🏼
https://open.spotify.com/show/0y4nKMh3QdRkXPZ9zYt3H0?si=1997522f8b6e40ec

📞 Book a game plan call with Matt:
https://my-ocr-coach.com/game-plan-call571058

💻 Explore the Obstacle Dominator Programs:
https://www.livingprimal.co.uk/obstacle-dominator-program

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Obstacle Dominator podcast, Matt Roberts sits down with Shawn Stevens—an athlete whose journey is a true testament to resilience, mindset, and transformation.

From a life once limited by injury and personal struggles, Shawn opens up about how he found his way back—physically, mentally, and emotionally—through Spartan racing and the Primal Fitness Program. Now in his 50s and in the greatest shape of his life, Shawn proves that age is just a number, and the power to change begins the moment you decide to rise.

In this conversation, Shawn shares the real story behind his comeback—from setbacks and surgeries to breakthroughs and clean races. He highlights the importance of community, the strength in mindset shifts, and how his family and legacy continue to drive him forward. Shawn reminds us that it’s not about perfection, but about setting intentional goals, facing each obstacle head-on, and celebrating the small wins on the path to greatness.

You're an inspiration, Shawn. I'm truly grateful to know you, have you on the team, and can’t wait to witness the next chapter of your evolution.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Background
01:52 – Athletic Journey and Setbacks
05:15 – Recovery and Transformation
10:36 – The Spartan Experience Begins
12:35 – Facing Challenges and Growth
18:14 – The Role of Community and Support
22:32 – Health Improvements and Lifestyle Changes
28:30 – Inspiring Family and Legacy
34:05 – The Journey Beyond Spartan
39:13 – Future Goals and Aspirations
45:41 – Transitioning to Competitive Racing
47:11 – The Impact of Community and Support
48:34 – Family Influence on Lifestyle Changes
50:16 – Overcoming Challenges During Races
52:32 – The Journey of Transformation
55:59 – Inspiring the Next Generation
01:00:08 – Surviving Adversity and Finding Purpose
01:01:00 – Defying Age and Embracing Vitality
01:03:02 – Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
01:07:11 – The Role of Data in Personal Growth
01:11:01 – Setting Intentions for Future Goals

🎧 Listen now:
Apple Podcasts 👇🏼
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/obstacle-dominator-podcast-by-matt-roberts/id1772898140

Spotify 👇🏼
https://open.spotify.com/show/0y4nKMh3QdRkXPZ9zYt3H0?si=1997522f8b6e40ec

📞 Book a game plan call with Matt:
https://my-ocr-coach.com/game-plan-call571058

Programs here - ⁠https://www.livingprimal.co.uk/obstacle-dominator-program

In this conversation, the hosts delve into the critical topic of sleep, emphasizing its importance as a performance enhancer. They discuss the role of circadian rhythms, the impact of technology on sleep quality, and the significance of creating a conducive sleep environment. The conversation highlights practical tips for improving sleep hygiene and the necessity of understanding one's own sleep patterns to maximize health and performance. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of sleep, discussing various factors that contribute to optimal sleep quality. They explore the significance of sleep cycles, the impact of environmental conditions, and the role of napping and non-sleep deep rest techniques. The conversation emphasizes the long-term consequences of poor sleep and offers practical strategies for enhancing sleep hygiene and overall health.

Tune in, slow down, and recover like a champion.

Listen On Spotify 👇🏼

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0y4nKMh3QdRkXPZ9zYt3H0?si=1997522f8b6e40ec⁠ 

Listen on Apple Podcast 👇🏼

⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/obstacle-dominator-podcast-by-matt-roberts/id1772898140⁠

Book a call with Matt here - ⁠⁠https://my-ocr-coach.com/game-plan-call571058⁠⁠ 

Programs here - ⁠⁠https://www.livingprimal.co.uk/obstacle-dominator-program⁠

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Sleep

11:51 Circadian Rhythms and Hormonal Balance

23:58 The Impact of Technology on Sleep

35:58 Sleep Hygiene and Environmental Factors

35:00 Understanding Sleep Cycles

44:50 Enhancing Sleep Quality and Recovery

49:18 The Importance of Sleep Hygiene

52:05 Consequences of Poor Sleep

56:36 Strategies for Better Sleep

In this conversation, Matt Roberts discusses the principles of hypertrophy in weight training, emphasising the importance of rep ranges, time under tension, and the quality of form during exercises. He explains how to structure sets for optimal muscle growth and the significance of controlled movements in achieving desired results.

Listen On Spotify 👇🏼

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0y4nKMh3QdRkXPZ9zYt3H0?si=1997522f8b6e40ec⁠ 

Listen on Apple Podcast 👇🏼

⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/obstacle-dominator-podcast-by-matt-roberts/id1772898140⁠

Book a call with Matt here - ⁠⁠https://my-ocr-coach.com/game-plan-call571058⁠⁠ 

Programs here - ⁠⁠https://www.livingprimal.co.uk/obstacle-dominator-program⁠

Chapters

00:00 Weekend Reflections and Nature's Influence

01:03:29 Strength Training: Personal Journeys and Goals

01:05:59 Mitch's Strength Training Evolution

01:10:59 Matt C's Training Transformation

01:14:04 Matt Roberts' Path to Strength and Health

01:20:47 Optimizing Strength Training for Better Results

01:23:27 The Importance of Consistency in Training

01:26:14 Tailoring Training to Specific Goals

01:29:13 Finding Balance in Strength and Endurance Training

01:32:17 Quality Over Quantity in Workouts

01:37:06 Optimizing Training Frequency and Volume

01:42:05 Understanding Rep Ranges and Time Under Tension

01:50:22 Maximizing Strength Gains with Targeted Techniques

01:54:07 The Role of Agonist and Antagonist Movements

01:57:19 Sustainable Training for Long-Term Health and Performance

02:01:07 Introduction and Call to Action

Ep 59: Unmasking the Athlete: Finding Success Through Play, Pleasure, Pain, and Purpose with Paul Ellis

In this episode, Matt Roberts sits down with Paul Ellis to explore the journey behind the man. They dive into Paul's life story, his experiences in obstacle course racing, and the training history that shaped him. Paul opens up about the lessons learned through challenge, the masks we all wear, and how embracing authenticity can unlock deeper success. They discuss the balance between being a competitive athlete and a playful human, and how finding harmony in all aspects of life leads to true fulfillment. A conversation filled with honesty, wisdom, and inspiration for anyone navigating the path of performance and purpose.

Listen on Apple Podcast 👇🏼

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/obstacle-dominator-podcast-by-matt-roberts/id1772898140

Listen On Spotify 👇🏼

https://open.spotify.com/show/0y4nKMh3QdRkXPZ9zYt3H0?si=1997522f8b6e40ec 

Book a call with Matt here - ⁠https://my-ocr-coach.com/game-plan-call571058⁠ 

Programs here - ⁠https://www.livingprimal.co.uk/obstacle-dominator-program

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues

01:39:48 The Journey Begins: Meeting Adam and Initial Impressions

01:45:57 Finding Structure: The Shift in Training Approach

01:52:16 Nutrition Realizations: Quality Over Quantity

02:00:11 Evolving Perspectives: The Importance of Individualization

02:08:39 Mindset Shift: Questioning Norms and Embracing Change

02:09:23 Mindset Shifts in Training

02:11:57 Individualized Approaches to Fitness

02:13:27 The Sunken Cost Fallacy and Change

02:15:55 Fear of Change and Its Implications

02:18:36 Using Fear as a Motivator

02:22:00 Resilience vs. Anti-Fragility

02:23:27 The Role of External Validation

02:27:14 Masks of Masculinity and Identity

02:29:41 Awareness and Personal Growth

02:41:23 The Balance of Identity and Health

02:44:21 Awareness and Self-Discovery

02:49:27 The Journey of Transformation

02:54:25 Embracing Change and Growth

02:58:24 The Importance of Playfulness and Community

03:05:08 Introduction and Call to Action

In this powerful episode, the Primal Fitness coaching team sit down with long-standing clients and team members Jack Coates, Paul Taylor, and Shawn Stephens to explore the journey of optimising health, fitness, and performance as we age.

We dive deep into their personal stories—what’s changed over the years, what mistakes they made early on, and what’s actually working for them now.

From debunking common fitness myths to redefining strength, vitality, and confidence in later life, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom. Whether you're approaching 40 or already embracing your 50s and beyond, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking a vibrant body, peak health, and unshakable self-belief that radiates into every area of life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

03:11 Optimizing as We Age

13:03 Personal Training Histories and Experiences

27:49 Overcoming Challenges in Physical Training

31:15 Transformative Journey: Nutrition and Fitness

36:36 The Evolution of Motivation

38:34 Discipline and Goal Setting

41:43 The Power of Community and Support

45:28 Mindset Shifts and Personal Growth

49:51 Nutrition: A Holistic Approach

56:35 Individualized Paths to Wellness

59:15 The Evolution of Relationships

01:01:39 Selective Connections: Quality Over Quantity

01:03:07 Building Confidence Through Lifestyle Changes

01:05:42 Genetics vs. Lifestyle: The Real Influencers

01:09:35 Reversing Health Conditions: Personal Stories

01:14:03 The Power of Nutrition and Mindset

01:17:53 Holistic Health: Beyond Medication

01:20:49 Breathing: The Foundation of Health

01:25:25 Anti-Aging Through Lifestyle Choices

01:31:41 Simple Changes for Lasting Impact

01:36:20 Introduction and Call to Action

Listen on Apple Podcast 👇🏼

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/obstacle-dominator-podcast-by-matt-roberts/id1772898140

Listen On Spotify 👇🏼

https://open.spotify.com/show/0y4nKMh3QdRkXPZ9zYt3H0?si=1997522f8b6e40ec 

Book a call with Matt here - ⁠https://my-ocr-coach.com/game-plan-call571058⁠ 

Programs here - ⁠https://www.livingprimal.co.uk/obstacle-dominator-program

In this episode of the Obstacle Dominator podcast, Matt Roberts and the coaching team delve into the intricacies of training for obstacle course racing (OCR). They discuss the importance of individualised training plans, the balance between mileage and recovery, and the role of cross-training in injury management. The conversation emphasizes the need for specificity in training, the use of technology and equipment to enhance performance, and the structuring of a training week to optimize results. Key takeaways include the significance of understanding one's own body, the necessity of patience in training, and the value of consistency over intensity.

Book a call with Matt here - https://my-ocr-coach.com/game-plan-call571058 

Programs here - https://www.livingprimal.co.uk/obstacle-dominator-program

In this episode of the Obstacle Dominator podcast, Matt Roberts, Matt C & Mitch discuss the importance of lifestyle optimization for OCR athletes. They explore the balance between training and recovery, the significance of light and nature for well-being, and the role of motivation and discipline in achieving fitness goals. The conversation emphasizes the minimal effective dose in training, the importance of consistency over intensity, and the need to listen to one's body to avoid burnout. Additionally, they delve into habit formation, accountability, and the nuances of strength training, advocating for a holistic approach to fitness that prioritizes long-term health and performance.

Training for OCR requires a holistic approach to health.

Light exposure is crucial for mental and physical well-being.

Discipline is more important than motivation in training.

Simplicity in training routines can lead to better results.

Listening to your body is essential to avoid burnout.

Habit stacking can help build effective routines.

Accountability can enhance training adherence and success.

Strength training should balance different rep ranges for optimal results.

Consistency in training leads to long-term success.

Prioritize recovery and lifestyle optimization alongside training.

Chapters

00:00 Spring Awakening: A Change in Attitude

04:11 Awareness and Community: The Importance of Understanding

08:19 Motivation vs. Discipline: The Key to Consistency

15:47 Training Philosophy: The Minimum Effective Dose

23:52 Burnout and Recovery: Listening to Your Body

33:36 Long-Term Goals: Consistency Over Intensity

39:46 Mindset and Vocabulary: Shaping Your Identity

50:49 Setting Realistic Goals: The Importance of Appropriateness

01:09:57 Introduction and Call to Action

Book a call here - https://my-ocr-coach.com/game-plan-call118428

In this episode of the Obstacle Dominator podcast, Matt Roberts shares his journey from a high school dropout to a military veteran and then to a personal trainer and OCR coach. He discusses his early life, family background, and the experiences that shaped him. Matt emphasizes the importance of community, self-improvement, and helping others reconnect with their true selves. He also shares his future aspirations, including creating a homestead and teaching others to live a more primal lifestyle.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matt Roberts

02:53 Matt's Early Life and Family Background

10:29 Joining the Army: A Calling to Serve

13:31 Experiences and Achievements in the Military

18:30 Transitioning to Personal Training and OCR

24:47 The Impact of Lockdown on Coaching

29:03 Parenting Philosophy and Techniques

31:40 Advice to Younger Self and Leadership Insights

37:49 Future Aspirations and Vision for Primal Elements

44:19 Quickfire Questions: A Glimpse into Matt's Preferences

52:45 The Future of OCR: Insights and Perspectives

57:51 Connecting with Matt: How to Reach Out

01:02:01 Introduction and Call to Action

🎙 From Spartan Racer to UK Series Champion AG! – with Tracy Morrow & Matt Roberts

In this episode, I sit down with Tracy Morrow to explore the journey from her first Spartan race to becoming a UK Series Champion Age Group athlete. We dive into what made her competitive, what keeps her training, and how she continues to evolve in the sport.

We unpack:
🔥 Seeking Discomfort – embracing challenge and celebrating success
🎭 Playfulness & Primal Play – can we ever be truly carefree again?
🎂 Age – is it just a number? How mindset, structure, and training shape performance
📅 Having a Hard Deadline – why a clear goal fuels motivation and consistency
⚡ Building the Habit – repetition, progressive overload, and the importance of accountability
💡 Regress to Progress? – breaking through training plateaus and finding balance

Tracy shares her background, the competitive fire that drives her, and what’s changed the game for her over the past two years. We also discuss how training intensity, movement, and doing it with others can act as instant performance enhancers.

Plus, we talk about Primal Fitness—how two years in the program have shaped her, and what advice she has for those looking to level up.

Her journey proves that growth, competition, and mastery don’t stop with age. If you're looking for inspiration, this is the episode for you!

🔗 Tune in now and step into your next level! 💥