The Human Advancement Podcast

In this time-sensitive episode, John and Keith discuss strategies for a successful lead-up to championship swim meets.  Topics include: -The scientific underpinnings of the taper -Race-day nutrition -When to change your race day routine -NSAIDs and their role on race day -Caffeine consumption and its effects on swimming -When to stop strength training before championship swim meets   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this latest Q&A, John Matulevich talks to fellow Ruthless Performance coach, Keith Lowery.  Keith and John talk about... -Hip and groin Health through strength training -New equipment at the Mobility Studio in Pottsville, PA -The most important muscles to target for health and performance -Biomechanical advantages of having a bigger butt -Why your workout shouldn't be the same as top-level athletes -Some of our favorite warm-ups at Ruthless Performance -Training with partners vs. training alone -The draw backs of at-home workouts -Cold brew vs. hot coffee as a preworkout and the benefits and drawbacks of both As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this conversation, John from Ruthless Performance answers Intern Keith Lowery's, questions about the profession of strength and conditioning.    The two talk about: -John's initial interest in Strength & Conditioning -Strength training for swimmers -German Volume Training -Westside / Conjugate -Nutrition, gut health, and micronutrient-dense foods   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode, John Matulevich is joined by Allie Doran, a wild game chef and author of Venison Every Day. The two talk about: -The health benefits and utility of making stock -Allie's love of bear meat, specifically her bear chili recipe -General wild game cooking tips and tricks -Dessert ideas -Why homemade recipes tend to be much healthier than 'healthy' alternatives and tastier than restaurant made dishes   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode, John Matulevich revisits his 2019 cross-country 43-day cycling journey with the Pottsville Rotary. This is a somewhat edited episode and is available as audio-only. You can find the pictures from this presentation on the Ruthless Performance Ride America Facebook Page.  John discusses: -Using your skills to pivot into more rewarding positions -The most abrupt elevation changes of his cross country ride -How the desert wreaked havoc on his performance and health -Overcoming the various challenges of cross country cycling -Creating a feedback system that rewards positivity and forward progress -The importance of community and the value of community-strengthening organizations   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode, John from Ruthless Performance sits down with long-time Pottsville Area High School Swim Coach Ned Hampford and the team's statistician, Josh Zelinsky. In addition to John's role with Ruthless Performance, he is also the Strength & Conditioning Coach (and alumni from) the Pottsville Area Crimson Tide Swim Team. In this episode the three talk about: -The creation of the DHH Lengel Natatorium (1970) -The formation of the Pottsville Area Boys' Swim Team (1973) -The team's participation in the East Penn Swim League and subsequently the Anthracite Swim League -Coach Hampford's start with the team (1977) -Early team successes and qualifications for the state championship meet (1986) -The team's departure from traditional, high-yardage training -The formation of the Pottsville Area Water Polo team as a means of building and introducing new swimmers to the water -The strengths and weaknesses of coaching swimming in the coal region -The popularity of tech suits in the early 2000's -All-time best performances and races from the team's history   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In today's episode, returning guest, Kyle Fisher, runs the show. Kyle talks about his first successful deer hunting experience, plus some unusual recipes and the value of organ meat. Some points from this episode include... -The value of liver and heart in health and performance -Using fish heads to make a healthy broth rich in Vitamin A -Adding organ meat to traditional American foods -Hunting to get closer to nature   You can follow Kyle on his Alternative Fish social media platforms including Instagram and the VIP Facebook Page.   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

Today, we're joined by Dr. Brandon Aucker of Revive Chiropractic in Pottsville, PA, whose office is home to the new Ruthless Performance Mobility & Fitness Studio.    Over the conversation, topics range from: -Details about Dr. Aucker's mentor, Dr. Jack Dolbin, who played in the NFL for the Denver Broncos while going to chiropractic school -Chiropractic for sports -Modalities that Dr. Aucker uses at Revive Chiropractic -Thoughts on back pain -Biomechanics and how it relates to function, posture, and wellness -How NASCAR drivers seek out chiropractic practitioners -The pitfalls of dehydration -Gym-Clinic Hybrids   You can learn more about Revive Chiropractic on their Facebook, Instagram, their website, and you can call them at (570)621-4390 or email them with questions or to become a patient.   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

This episode marks the beginning of season 2 for the Human Advancement Podcast.  During this episode, John Matulevich of Ruthless Performance talks to Kent Maiman, a long distance hiker from Colorado who recently completed the Appalachian Trail (AT). Over the course of the hour-long conversation, John and Kent cover topics ranging from: -Kent's life prior to hiking the AT -Lessons learned from the trail (i.e. "Never Quit on a Bad Day") -Trail gear and Kent's favorite pieces of equipment -Footwear -Kent's nutrition on the trail, particularly his vegetarian diet -Skills learned on the trail -Life lessons -Trying to accomplish something as daunting as hiking the Appalachian Trail during the early days of COVID-19   More broadly this episode should serve as a pep talk to get your ass in gear if you're interested in accomplishing big things in 2021.   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode, John is joined by fellow Bloomsburg University graduate, Kyle Fisher. Kyle's career has taken him throughout the United States, but he is currently an athletic trainer for Lebanon Valley College. The conversation begins with Kyle briefly discussing his high school and collegiate football experience, which even led to some time as an NFL prospect. The discussion then transitions into John and Kyle's mutual interest and expertise in injury prevention. Some subsequent topics include: -Understading the PSAC conference and NCAA Division-2 athletics -What athletic training actually is -Athletic Training vs. Strength & Conditioning -Care fore athletes vs. General Population -Bottlenecks in sports rehab and recovery -Avoiding injuries post-COVID -Isometric Training -How Kyle assesses athletes -Concussions: rehab & prevention -Vestibular training -Addressing ACL injuries & high risk athletes -Training athletes online -Icing athletes: does it work? -Compression and its benefits -Kinesiotape -The fine line between safety and babying athletes -The influence of helmets on concussions In the conversation, Kyle mentions vestibular testing using the Brock string.  You can follow Kyle on his Alternative Fish social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and the VIP Facebook Page.   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

This past Saturday (May 23, 2020) marks the 1-year anniversary of our announcement to plan, sponsor, and complete a 43-day, 4,000-mile cross-country cycling event.  The ride started on August 24, 2019 in San Francisco, CA and ended on Saturday, October 5th, 2020 in Pottsville, PA. The ride was completed by the owner of Ruthless Performance, John Matulevich. Ultimately, the ride raised over $12,000 for Back in Black Dog Rescue and The Hillside SPCA. The conversation today is a Q&A with John, where he is interviewed by Back in Black Dog Rescue representative Angel Cicero. The questions throughout were gathered from various supporters and sponsors. In the interview, John answers questions including... -What was your thought process coming up with the idea to bike across America? -What was the goal? Did you ever think you wouldn't meet the goal? -What was Day 1 on the road like? How did it feel to go across the Golden Gate Bridge? -You were on your own for 43 days, was it lonely? Were you afraid? -What did you eat? -Where did you sleep?  -Did you have bike troubles? -How heavy was your bike? What did you carry with you? -Is there anything you would do differently? -What lessons did you learn? -Physical vs. Mental ability -On the trip, what surprised you about yourself? -What would you tell someone who was thinking about riding solo across the US? -What were your thoughts pulling into The Finish Line Event?   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode John talks with Nick Hair. Nick is a personal trainer with a background in computer science. In this conversation, they discuss: -Nick's personal experiences in high school and collegiate sports -The value of collegiate exercise science programs -1-Rep Max testing in athletes -Modifying a program to suit the individual -Science vs. Action -General population training vs. athlete development -Strategies for continuing education -Tech, data and software in athlete development -Grip Training -The value of nasal breathing -Tactical strength & conditioning, plus prepping for life in the marines -Distance running training strategies and misconceptions You can follow Nick on Instagram & Twitter with the handle @Nick2Hair. In the podcast, Nick also mentions Camp4 Human Performance as a resource for grip training education, plus the Tension Climbing Flash Board. To learn more about nasal breathing, Nick recommended The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown and West's Respiratory Physiology book for learning more about breathing. Lastly, here is the instagram page for Nick's mentor Collin McGee.   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode, John from Ruthless Performance interviews Paige Stoner, a fellow former Schuylkill County athlete who now runs professionally for the Reebok Boston Track Club.  We detail Paige's career from high school to pro-athlete. We also discuss a multitude of running related topics like: -Dirt road running for better health and running longevity -The value of hill running  -Sauna training -Some of Paige's gear preferences -Paige's favorite training recovery foods and strategies -Marathon and Ultra-marathon running -Race day dietary considerations -Carbon-Plated Footwear Follow Paige on Instagram (@PaigeStoner11) & Twitter (@PaigeStoner11). And follow Reebok Boston Track Club on Instagram (@reebokboston_tc).   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on Twitter and Instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this release, John Matulevich of Ruthless Performance talks with Strength & Conditioning Coach Erica Suter. Though the conversation is largely about Erica's expertise of strength & conditioning and athlete development for middle school - high school soccer, the conversation is wide-ranging and covers topics from: -Erica's History in the Sport of Soccer -How Erica began her first Strength & Conditioning regimen at a young age -In-Season vs. Out-of-Season training considerations -Injury Prevention strategies for soccer players -The notion of sport-specificity training -Some of Erica's favorite exercises for soccer players -Turf vs. Grass in soccer -College summer training packets -Instilling stoicism in athletes   You can find Erica on Instagram (@FitSoccerQueen) and Twitter (@FitSoccerQueen).   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on twitter and instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode John talks with WNEP Broadcaster and online personality Chase Senior. Throughout the conversation John and Chase cover... -Chase's new podcast project with former PennState QB Matt McGloin called 'The Underrated Hour' -Performing interviews and broadcasting under the pressure of live television -ESPN's new Last Dance Documentary -Various considerations and injury prevention strategies for college and high school basketball -The shortcomings of the bench press in football training -Tom Brady's training methods -The value and possibilities of following your passions from a young age -John's favorite episode of Chase's show the 'Chase Down Podcast' -The future of E-Sports -How individuals can achieve anything with the right framework -Staying motivated, goal-oriented, and focused   Follow Chase Senior on Instagram (@chase_senior20), on Twitter (@Chase_Senior), and check out his podcasts The Chase Down Podcast and The Underrated Hour.   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on twitter and instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

This video breaks down a complete month-long strength training program from Ruthless Performance's Athlete Development line during the summer of 2019. I explain why we chose the exercises that we did, what programs look like at Ruthless Performance, and what makes this program so special. This is a learning tool only. We never recommend following any program that we designed for another individual. I explain: -General daily warm-up -Why we selected certain activation drills for certain days -How strength work should be programmed -Conditioning ideas -How we use circuit training to efficacy and efficiency -Why certain exercises are better for certain athletes   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on twitter and instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode, John interviews Reggie Crawford. Reggie swam for North Schuylkill HS until after the PIAA State Championship meet of his junior year. Reggie earned the gold medal that year in the 50-yard freestyle and silver in the 100-yard Freestyle with a time of 45.54. Since then, he’s held the PIAA Double-A 50 Yard Freestyle record at an impressive 20.45. Immediately after High School Reggie was the 37th Round Draft Pick for the Kansas City Royals but instead he chose to play in college at the D-1 level for the University of Connecticut. We discuss -his swimming career -why he chose to play for UConn -how he copes with grueling nation-wide in-season travel You can follow him on Instagram at @iamreggiecrawford and on Twitter @_Reginald_C So be sure to give him a follow, I’m sure you’ll be hearing a lot more about Reggie over the coming years.   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on twitter and instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode, I chat with Philadelphia-based strength coach Colin Fedoriska.  Our primary topic of discussion is strength & conditioning for combat sport athletes which includes MMA fighters, BJJ athletes, boxers, and more. We also discuss corrective exercise strategies for this population, as well as some of Colin's favorite strength training exercises for fighters, plus his favorite conditioning tools for this population.  Another topic is the common over-reliance on long-distance running for conditioning in the combat sports community. Beyond its value for fighters, this episode is a great look at some of the nuances of strength and conditioning, including different training environments, in-season vs. out-of-season training, and more.   As always, follow Ruthless Performance on twitter and instagram (both @RuthlessPerform). Visit RuthlessPerformance.com to learn more about how we train our athletes, specifically the online education tab. Want to train with Ruthless Performance? Contact us at RuthlessPerformance.com/contact.

In this episode of the podcast, John sits down with a panel of leading industry experts in the field of Strength & Conditioning for Swimmers. Featured panelists include: Lee Sommers, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Nation's Capital Swim Club Matt DeLancey, Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning, University of Florida Dr. John Mullen, President, Swimming Science Keenan Robinson, Director of Sports Medicine and Science, USA Swimming Katlyn Haycock, Strength & Conditioning Coach, University of Michigan and Club Wolverine Elite Jun Jeong, Strength & Conditioning Coach for Olympic Sports, University of Virginia   In this episode, we cover: -COVID training for elite athletes and what it means for Olympic training cycle -What at-home training should mean for swimmers plus what swimmers are missing -How the Florida Gators use Plyometric training with their swimmers -How swimmers can mistakenly end up with overuse injuries while out of the pool -Why long-distance runs aren't a feasible replacement for swim practice -The use of technology, metrics, software, and applications in tracking performance -How strength training programs change throughout a college swimmer's career -Strength and conditioning techniques for sprint swimmers -Building positive relationships between strength & conditioning coaches and head coaches through communication

In Today's episode, I interview two-time Olympic Athlete Jayson Terdiman (Instagram @jaysonterdiman).  Jayson is a Berwick, PA native--which is how I met Jayson initially after his debut Olympic appearance at Socchi. Throughout this conversation we cover a wide-range of topics relating to human performance. Some items we discuss include: -Jayson's fourth-place finish at the 2018 Winter Olympics -Daily life at the Olympic Training Center -Jayson's rise through luge, beginning at the age of 10 -The value of being a multi-sport athlete -How he felt and his initial impressions during his Olympic Birth in Socchi -Life in the Olympic Village at the games -When Jayson met Shaun White in the Team USA lounge -And the self-talk that Jayson uses to keep his motivation high while training