The Matthews Mentality Podcast

Kyle Matthews interviews Marc Riccio, CEO of USA Lacrosse, about the sport’s growth, access challenges, and lacrosse’s return to the Olympics in LA 2028 as a medal sport for the first time since 1908. Riccio explains the sixes format (a faster, smaller-sided game akin to rugby sevens) and notes the U.S. women are ranked No. 1 while the U.S. men are No. 2 behind Canada. He discusses obstacles such as high school sanctioning (24 states still not sanctioned), pay-to-play infrastructure, and efforts like “Lacrosse in a Bag” to introduce the sport in schools. Riccio shares leadership lessons from 17 years with the New York Jets, his career path, and how team culture and vulnerability help build championship rosters.00:00 Move Early Mindset00:38 Meet Marc Riccio01:56 Lacrosse Growth Tailwinds02:37 Olympics Hype And Hockey Comp04:53 Participation Numbers And TAM08:02 High School Sanctioning Fight11:14 LA28 Sixes And Medal Odds12:07 Lacrosse Origin Story14:37 Traits Of Great Players16:54 Team Culture And Leadership19:41 From Kid Player To Scholarship22:45 College Grind And Pro Reality28:40 Breaking Into The Jets31:01 Parcells Lessons And Decisions37:04 Belichick Contrast And Media39:02 Post Jets Career And CEO Life41:24 Work Ethic And Choices42:06 Work and Family Balance42:49 Driven by Insecurity44:14 From Winning to Legacy45:33 Access to Lacrosse47:40 Explaining USA Lacrosse50:31 Pitch to Parents52:21 Multi Sport vs Specialize55:48 Toxic Parent Cultures01:01:39 Lacrosse Community Magic01:06:44 Olympics 2028 Journey01:10:43 Global Growth and Funding01:14:00 Final Wrap

In this engaging episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews sits down with UFC Hall of Famer and former Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin. They discuss Griffin's storied career, including his time on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, his legendary fight against Stephan Bonnar, and his championship victory over Rampage Jackson. Griffin shares insights into his transition from fighter to Vice President of Athlete Development at the UFC Performance Institute, where he now helps shape the next generation of fighters. This candid conversation also touches on the challenges of making weight, dealing with injuries, and the psychological aspects of fighting, providing a comprehensive look at the life of a professional MMA fighter.00:00 Pushing Limits and Greed00:45 Introducing UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin00:57 Inside the UFC Performance Institute01:27 Forrest Griffin's Role in Athlete Development02:38 Expanding UFC's Global Reach05:06 Challenges and Strategies in Training10:40 Forrest Griffin's Early Life and Career18:40 Transition from Football to Fighting34:12 Joining the Ultimate Fighter40:21 The Legendary Fight with Stephan Bonner41:36 Randy Couture and the Bonner Fight41:57 Mental Toughness in the Ring43:04 The Keith Judian Fight and Lessons Learned45:06 Winning the UFC Contract47:56 Becoming a UFC Champion55:06 The Challenges of Defending the Title01:01:52 The Evolution of MMA and Training01:07:56 Life After Fighting01:10:54 Forrest Griffin's Legacy and Reflections

In this episode of Matthews Mentality, join host Kyle Matthews as he reconnects with his former USC teammate, Owen Hanson. Their conversation takes a deep dive into Owen's incredible life story that spans his days as a football player, becoming a notorious international bookie, and later a drug lord, to spending nearly a decade in federal prison. Discussing his motivations, the adrenaline rush, and the void he tried to fill with illegal activities, Owen shares pivotal moments including laundering money, his arrest, and subsequent quest for redemption. Now, focusing on rebuilding his life, Owen details his journey of creating a successful protein ice cream brand and his dedication to speaking with young people about the real consequences of his past actions. This candid and gripping interview is a testament to the capacity for change and second chances.00:00 Introduction and Early Life01:03 College Years and Athletic Pursuits01:54 Transition to Underground Operations02:28 Life in Federal Prison and Redemption05:37 Reflecting on Childhood and Family12:01 The Rush of Adrenaline and Illegal Activities31:43 The Rush of Camaraderie and Adrenaline32:18 Transition to Real Estate and Economic Downturn32:58 Becoming a Bookie: The Start of a New Venture33:50 The Rise of Online Sports Betting34:34 Indictment and Legal Troubles34:55 From Bookie to Cartel Connections35:53 International Expansion and Cartel Involvement38:31 The Cartel's Trust and High-Stakes Operations45:45 The Australian Cocaine Operation55:45 Reflections on Power and Happiness01:00:13 Prison Realizations and True Friendships01:03:39 Money Laundering Through Gambling01:05:13 The Big Lie and the Lost Money01:06:18 Confrontation and Desperation01:08:08 The Cartel's Pressure and Ingenious Solutions01:12:38 The Arrest and Life in Prison01:15:11 The Road to Redemption01:21:34 Building a New Life with Ice Protein01:29:31 Reflections and Lessons Learned

In this episode, Kyle Matthews speaks with Dr. Patrick Leddin, a distinguished leader spanning military service, Fortune 500 consulting, entrepreneurship, academia, and bestselling authorship. Dr. Leddin, who co-authored 'Disrupt Everything and Win' with James Patterson, shares insights on adapting to disruption, essentials of effective leadership, and personal transformation. The conversation covers Dr. Leddin's experiences as an Army Ranger, the importance of mindsets and behaviors in leadership, practical advice on navigating artificial intelligence, and the critical nature of self-awareness and resilience in facing change.00:00 Introduction to Leadership Essentials01:19 Meet Dr. Patrick Leddin02:57 Understanding Resistance to Change04:44 The Power of Positive Disruption10:45 James Patterson's Influence19:07 Military Lessons in Leadership38:32 Understanding Workplace Dynamics38:45 Finding Your 'Why'41:14 The Big Disruption: AI and the Future41:58 Adapting to Technological Changes43:00 The Five Roles in the Face of Change48:20 Making Tough Leadership Decisions53:21 Personal Stories of Resilience57:53 Writing with James Patterson01:06:07 Final Thoughts on Disruption and Success

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews interviews Bianca D’Alessio, the founder and CEO of the Master's division and star of HBO's 'Selling The Hamptons'. Bianca shares her journey from earning $11,000 in her first year to becoming a top leader in modern real estate. She discusses the importance of self-improvement, confidence building, and adapting strategies that set her apart in one of the most competitive markets in the world. Bianca also touches on her experiences with reality TV, the psychological aspects of high-stakes negotiations, and her future vision for her company. For anyone interested in real estate or personal growth, Bianca's story offers valuable insights and inspiring lessons. 00:00 Starting Out in Real Estate: Overcoming Early Challenges01:06 Introducing Bianca D’Alessio: A Real Estate Powerhouse02:35 Discussing the New York Residential Market09:59 The Journey to Confidence and Success13:01 The Role of Women in Real Estate18:16 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned24:29 The Reality of Reality TV31:09 Secrets Behind Luxury Real Estate37:48 Understanding Real Estate Metrics38:06 Staying Motivated Beyond Financial Success39:52 Developing a Winning Mentality41:26 Advice for Young Professionals42:40 Misconceptions About Residential Agents45:37 The Psychology of Real Estate Purchases48:27 Building a Successful Real Estate Business01:05:03 Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth01:11:51 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights Recorded at Theorist Studios in NYC –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Find Bianca:  Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/biancadalessio/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/biancadalessio/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nestseekersmastersdivision/Website: https://www.nestseekers.com/agent/bianca-dalessio/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@bianca_dalessio   –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Find Kyle: Twitter: https://x.com/kylematthewsceoLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-matthews-ceo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo?_t=ZT-90KKp52n5MN&_r=1Website: https://www.matthews.comWebsite: https://www.thematthewsmentalitypodcast.com

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews sits down with Michael Kempner, the founder and CEO of Mike Worldwide, a leading global public relations firm. Michael discusses the significance of authenticity in communications, the impact of reputation on business success, and the evolution of the PR industry. He shares insights from his illustrious career, which includes working with high-profile clients and navigating crisis situations. With a focus on people's importance in an organization, Michael offers valuable advice on leadership, risk management, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of the most respected leaders in PR.00:00 The Importance of Authenticity00:47 Introducing Michael Kempner02:34 About Mike Worldwide05:13 Founding Mike Worldwide07:56 Lessons in Leadership09:55 The Evolution of PR10:54 The Impact of AI12:46 Early Challenges and Growth26:16 Insights on Politics and Influence33:30 Facing Client Losses and Business Anxiety34:28 Learning to Control Worry and Focus35:33 Building a PR Empire and Rebranding36:15 The Buyout Experience and Its Aftermath38:43 Motivation and Winning Mentality40:44 Leadership and Handling Losses44:24 Generational Changes in the Workplace46:36 Professional Kindness and Respect49:23 Dealing with Client Turnover51:15 Crisis Management Stories54:03 Advice on Reputation and Leadership01:00:46 The Importance of Curiosity and Storytelling01:02:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews welcomes Antron Brown, the first Black driver to win an American Auto Racing Championship and a multi-time NHRA titleholder. Antron shares harrowing experiences, including surviving a life-threatening crash at 318 mph, and discusses the evolution of his career from a racer to a successful team owner. He also reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from working in his family's septic tank business and the importance of hard work, preparation, and overcoming setbacks. The episode provides inspiring insights into how Antron continues to break barriers and achieve new heights in American motorsports.

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Dave Butler, co-CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors, to discuss the importance of focusing on small wins, the application of discipline from sports to business, and the principles of patient, data-driven investing. From his standout basketball career at UC Berkeley and brief stint with the Boston Celtics to his 30-year journey in finance, Dave shares valuable insights on how stacking daily achievements can lead to bigger opportunities. Essential advice on disciplined investing, the future impact of AI on markets, and the myth of market predictions also highlight this engaging conversation.00:00 Daily Wins: Building Success One Step at a Time01:13 Introducing Dave Butler: From Basketball to Finance03:07 Dimensional Fund Advisors: A Deep Dive06:00 Investment Strategies: Indexing and Diversification15:14 Dave Butler's Journey: From Athlete to Executive36:31 Starting in Investment Banking37:19 The Reality of Wall Street38:33 A Career-Changing Moment41:22 Joining Dimensional Fund Advisors43:14 Climbing the Corporate Ladder49:39 Work-Life Balance and Career Advice52:29 Overcoming Career Challenges55:09 Investment Myths and Realities01:02:13 The Impact of AI on Investing01:09:55 Closing Thoughts and Advice