Performance Matters Podcast

From a young junior hockey player with big dreams to wearing the “C” as an NCAA Division 1 captain, “Iron” Mike Craig has built his career on consistency, discipline, and an unshakable work ethic. Over the past seven years, he’s faced the grind head-on — the early mornings, the setbacks, the pressure — and turned those challenges into fuel for growth.

In this episode, Mike opens up about the highs and lows of his hockey journey, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what it truly takes to lead at the highest level of college hockey. His story is proof that long-term dedication pays off — both on the ice and in life.

In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, Matrixx and Aidan pull back the curtain on the realities of strength and conditioning.

They break down the key differences between in-season and off-season training, why intent matters more than volume, and how adaptability can make or break a coach—especially when working with youth athletes.

The guys share lessons learned from early career missteps, vent about common industry frustrations, and highlight the importance of building real relationships in coaching.

Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just getting started, this conversation delivers hard-earned insights you can put to work right away.

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In this episode of Performance Matters Podcast, Chris Rao — head coach of the Lakehead women’s basketball team — breaks down what it really takes to lead at the collegiate level. From cutting his teeth as a young coach to managing pro athletes and now university players, Chris shares how he builds trust, culture, and accountability in every locker room he steps into.

He dives into the recruiting grind, the pressure of allocating playing time, and what young athletes need to hear. For up-and-coming coaches, this one’s packed with hard-earned advice on seizing opportunities, building relationships, and making an impact beyond the court.

Shoutout to our sponsor:

www.PeteMethnerPhotography.com

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This episode cuts through the noise. We sit down with David Kitchen of Edge Leadership Academy to talk real leadership—not the feel-good fluff, but the kind that builds teams, cultures, and winners.

We dive deep into the pillars of leadership, the difference between message and tone, and why clarity beats comfort when it comes to building high-performance environments. Kitchen breaks down why being direct isn’t cruel—it’s necessary—and how leaders who prioritize tone over truth often fail their teams.

We also get into the importance of defining what success actually looks like. If your people don’t know what "winning" means, how can they chase it? This conversation is about setting the standard, owning your message, and being willing to lead even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’re in the business of building culture, demanding excellence, or leading people through hard things—this one’s for you.

Shoutout to our sponsor:

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In this episode, we sit down with pro basketball player Eddie Ekiyor to talk about the mindset it takes to come back from injury and keep moving forward. Eddie opens up about his own comeback journey, shedding light on the physical and mental grind behind the scenes. We also dive into the shifting landscape of athlete recruitment, exploring how the game has changed from Eddie’s college days to now. Plus, we get into the real differences between the college and the pro ranks — what athletes think it’s like versus what it actually is. This one’s packed with insight for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating the world of high-performance sport.

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Pete Methner Photography

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This episode of the PMP is a no-holds-barred dive into the realities of high-level performance. We’re talking athlete accountability—what it really means to show up, stay consistent, and take ownership of your development. We get into the mindset and habits that separate those who say they want it from those who actually do the work to earn it.

But it’s not all fire and brimstone—we also take a moment to celebrate some of the athletes in our crew who are absolutely crushing it right now. From major milestones to quiet wins that speak volumes, we’re giving props where props are due.

If you’re an athlete looking to level up, a coach trying to lead better, or just someone who appreciates straight talk and strong culture, this one’s got something for you.

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There’s no room for guesswork in coaching — especially when athletes start asking real questions. In this episode, Matrixx and Myles dive into the kinds of questions every coach should be able to answer: Why are we doing this lift? What’s a taper? How strong is strong enough? What do ratios actually tell us? And is injury prevention even real, or just a marketing buzzword?

They also unpack what it means to train with intent — why every athlete at IPC gets an individualized program card instead of following some random whiteboard workout. If you’re just copying and pasting sessions or throwing drills together with no real purpose, this one might sting. But if you're serious about coaching with clarity, direction, and standards, you're exactly who this episode is for.

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Pete Methner Photography

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In this episode, Coach Manny and Matrixx dive into the key differences between European and Western styles of strength and conditioning. They explore how culture shapes sport, the evolving landscape of youth sports, and wrap it up with a rapid-fire Q&A on the latest sport science technologies. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sport enthusiast, this conversation offers fresh insights into training philosophies and the future of performance.

Big thanks to our sponsor:

Pete Methner Photography

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In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, Matrixx sits down with Ashley Kowalewski—better known as AK—a powerhouse strength and conditioning coach at LSU. They dive deep into the real work behind high performance: from managing training load and recovery to building athlete autonomy, trust, and resilience. AK opens up about her journey into elite sport, the challenges women face in the field, and why mentorship and connection matter more than ever.

The conversation blends science and soul—covering everything from data-informed coaching and psychological readiness to community, coffee culture, and AK’s go-to training tools. You’ll hear laughs, lessons, and even a round of ‘F*ck, Marry, Kill: Exercise Edition.’ Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just a fan of meaningful conversations, this one hits heavy.

Shoutout to our Sponsor:

Pete Methner Photography

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jordan Shallow — chiropractor, strength coach, and founder of Pre-Script — to talk about the massive disconnect between rehab and performance. From biomechanics to athletic development, we break down why athletes are falling through the cracks and what needs to change. Expect straight talk on strength, nervous system training, and why “corrective” doesn’t always mean effective. If you work with athletes, this one’s a must-listen.

Shoutout to our sponsor:

Pete Methner Photography

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