Let's Talk Wrestling

There’s a famous saying out there that states: “Behind every great man there’s a great woman.” Meet Kristen Metcalf. You may know her as the wife of Iowa State Assistant Wrestling Coach Brent Metcalf. But by the end of this episode, you’ll know her as a professor at Iowa State University who has a PhD in Health and Human Physiology. Kristen has been by Brent every step of the way. And while he chased his dreams, she never gave up on hers.Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Ryan Deakin is a product of Legacy HS located in Broomfield, CO. He was a 3x state finalist and 2x state champion. He put together one of the best wrestling careers in Northwestern history, becoming a 4x AA and ending his career in style as a national champ. Ryan has now partnered with another DI AA in Max Wessell to start Iron Summit, a fitness and performance organization that offers personalized training, nutrition guidance, mindset coaching, and sport-specific strength programs to help individuals improve their health, build strength, and reach their performance goals. You can find more information on their website at ironsummittraining.com. You can also check out their podcast: Iron Summit. Both of these can be found in the show notes.Iron Summit Training website: https://www.ironsummittraining.com/Iron Summit Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CtBtCBAJAVebAEEMyFXhH?si=b70e90bf642f495fEuphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Tomas did one year of wrestling when he was younger before he was persuaded to go back out in 9th grade. He ended his high school career as a 2x state finalist and state champ for Hickory Ridge in Harrisburg, NC. He’s currently a RS Sophomore at App. State, where he wrestles 184 lbs. and qualified for the NCAA tournament as a true freshman after winning a SoCon title. Not bad for a kid who started wrestling in 2019.Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

An Iowa City, IA native, Alex Kanellis was a 2x placewinner while collecting a state title for Iowa City West on the mat and was a part of one the Hawkeyes highest-rated football recruiting classes in the Ferentz era. He’s the founder of Landmine University, a strength training company focused on providing continuing education to strength coaches and athletes. If you want more information on how to get involved and push yourself to the max, head to www.landmineuniversity.com or find him on instagram at landmineuniversity.The third annual Landmine University Games are taking place January 24-25 in San Diego, CA. There will be multiple divisions, so whether you’re a beginner or expert, big or small, sign up and put yourself to the test. The registration link can be found in the show notes. 2026 Landmine University Games Registration Link: https://www.landmineuniversity.com/service-page/the-landmine-games-2?referral=service_list_widgetEuphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Bradley starred for the Bettendorf Bulldogs in high school, placing 3 times and collecting a state title. He would travel 3 and a half hours to practice at Sebolt Wrestling Academy. But if Bradley wanted to reach his goals, he knew he had to make the trip. After spending two years as a Hawkeye, Bradley made the decision to head to Oklahoma, where he’s ready to show the wrestling world (and himself) what sort of damage he can do.Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

The name “Killian” is tied to Celtic roots meaning “bright-headed” and “little warrior”. This name perfectly depicts our next guest, Killian Cardinale. A 2x AA at West Virginia, his achievements didn’t come without overcoming adversity. He started his college career at Old Dominion before they cut their program. He found a home at West Virginia, but injuries threatened his ability to compete. True to his name, Killian battled like the warrior he is.Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Matt Hoover won state titles. He won The Biggest Loser. But, as he learned, those victories didn’t guarantee him a lifetime of success. He’s battled adversity, regret, his weight. However, with the help of a strong support system and some tough self-reflection, Matt has found peace within himself. He lives in Washington state with his wife and kids and coaches at Cascade Christian High School. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Matt Hoover!Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/