Evolving Performance

Kevin Neeld
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  • Fitness
  • Updated twice weekly

The Evolving Performance Podcast leverages insights from sport performance and rehabilitation professionals, athletes, and coaches to provide aspiring athletes and sport professionals actionable tools to optimize their progress. 

  1. 3 days ago

    The Science and Application of Conditioning (with Joel Jamieson)

    In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Joel Jamieson, one of the most widely cited authorities on conditioning and energy system development in the world. Joel has trained elite combat sport athletes since 2004 and consulted for organizations from the Navy SEALs to teams in the NFL, NBA, MLS, and NCAA. He is the author of Ultimate MMA Conditioning, created the BioForce HRV system, and developed Morpheus, a training platform that uses daily HRV, sleep, and activity data to individualize heart rate zones. They start by separating fitness from conditioning — fitness being the measurable physiological qualities, conditioning being how well those qualities integrate to meet a specific demand. Joel explains why heart rate recovery tells you more about repeat sprint ability than VO2 max, how the aerobic system fuels recovery both between reps and across an entire competitive season, and what zone two training actually is beyond the second band on a heart rate monitor. The conversation also covers why the fear that aerobic work makes athletes slower is largely overstated, the real limits of the interference effect, and why fixed heart rate zones misrepresent a body that changes day to day. This episode offers a clear framework for coaches and athletes looking to build aerobic capacity without sacrificing speed and power, and to understand what actually drives recovery and resilience. Topics Include: Why fitness and conditioning are not the same thingBuilding a performance model to determine what an athlete actually needsWhy VO2 max poorly predicts repeat sprint performanceHeart rate recovery as the most underutilized assessment toolReading heart rate recovery between sparring rounds or practice repsResting heart rate vs. HRV — absolute values or direction of changeThe anaerobic speed reserve and how to field test itHow the aerobic system drives recovery across a competitive seasonWhat zone two actually is, and why percentage-of-max-HR misses itLeft ventricular volume vs. contractile strength, and how to train eachMinimum effective dose for zone two, and why lifting doesn't countWhy aerobic training won't make athletes slowerTempo intervals, high intensity continuous training, and uphill sprintsWhen the interference effect is real and when it isn'tClosing the gap between fitness capacity and game day expressionSleep, nutrition, and mental stress as recovery variablesHow Morpheus shifts heart rate zones based on daily recovery📲 Connect with Joel Jamieson: Instagram: @coachjoeljamieson Morpheus: TrainWithMorpheus.com 8 Weeks Out: 8WeeksOut.com 📩 Contact Kevin: Follow and suggest future guests, topics, and questions: @KevinNeeld 📺 Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance 🧠 Subscribe to the free newsletter: KevinNeeld.com 📬 Email: KN@KevinNeeld.com ⏱️ Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Background [00:01:00] Episode Overview and Sponsor Highlight [00:05:00] Defining Conditioning vs. Fitness [00:09:05] Assessments and Building a Performance Model [00:11:48] Why VO2 Max Falls Short for Repeat Sprint Ability [00:14:05] Heart Rate Recovery as an Assessment Tool [00:17:35] Resting Heart Rate vs. HRV [00:20:22] The Aerobic System's Role in Repeating Speed and Power [00:23:38] The Anaerobic Speed Reserve and Field Testing [00:25:28] Aerobic Training, Resilience, and Recovery Mechanisms [00:28:52] What Zone Two Training Really Is [00:34:53] Building Heart Size vs. Heart Strength [00:38:30] Minimum Effective Dose for Zone Two [00:41:02] Does Aerobic Training Make Athletes Slower? [00:43:48] Tempo Intervals and High Intensity Continuous Training [00:45:43] The Interference Effect [00:48:12] Closing the Gap Between Capacity and Expression [00:50:30] Readiness, Sleep, and Recovery Factors [00:53:35] Inside Morpheus

  2. 23 Apr

    Building and Leading High Performance Teams (with Mike Potenza)

    In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Mike Potenza, Director of High Performance for the San Jose Sharks. Mike oversees the strength and conditioning, nutrition, and medical staffs for both the Sharks and their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. He previously spent 16 years as the Sharks' head strength and conditioning coach and two years as Director of Performance with the Golden State Warriors. They explore how high-performance departments have evolved in professional sports, what Mike looks for when hiring across different disciplines, and the importance of character and culture fit. Mike shares impactful lessons from his time in the NBA—including personalized programming and tendon health strategies—and how those insights have changed his approach in hockey. The conversation covers comprehensive athlete profiling through blood work and range of motion assessments, recovery strategies that actually move the needle, and game day preparation techniques to maximize player energy and mental clarity. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone working in or aspiring to work in professional sports, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support elite athlete performance. Topics Include: The evolution and expansion of high-performance staffs in professional hockeyWhat to prioritize when hiring strength coaches, nutritionists, and medical staffWhy character and culture fit matter more than technical knowledgeLessons from the NBA on personalized programming and return-to-play protocolsComprehensive athlete profiling: injury history, range of motion, and blood workWhat blood panels reveal about nutrient deficiencies in elite athletesTracking hormonal changes (testosterone and cortisol) throughout the seasonIn-season training philosophy: maintaining capacity while developing skillsRecovery strategies that work: sleep optimization, massage, and contrast therapyGame day supplementation protocols for energy and mental clarityTravel management and sleep scheduling across time zonesWhy practice times should adjust based on late-night games and travel📲 Connect with Mike Potenza: X: @mike_potenza 📩 Contact Kevin: Follow and suggest future guests, topics, and questions: @KevinNeeld 📺 Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance 🧠 Subscribe to the free newsletter: KevinNeeld.com 📬 Email: KN@KevinNeeld.com ⏱️ Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Background  [00:01:50] Episode Overview and Sponsor Highlight  [00:05:32] Staff Expansion and the Director of High Performance Role  [00:09:59] Roles, Responsibilities, and Hiring Philosophy  [00:18:34] Athlete Profiling, Range of Motion, and Performance Metrics  [00:21:37] Advanced Blood Work and Biological Monitoring  [00:31:06] Lessons from the NBA and Tendon Health  [00:36:50] Modern Recovery Strategies  [00:45:34] Game Day Preparation and Supplementation  [00:49:45] Travel Cocooning and Logistics

    Building and Leading High Performance Teams (with Mike Potenza)

  3. 30 Jan

    Structural Biases in Speed & Strength Development (with Bill Hartman)

    In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Bill Hartman, a world-renowned physical therapist and co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST). Bill is the creator of the Unified Health and Performance Continuum Model, a principles-based framework that examines how the entire human system works together to manage forces and create movement. They explore how structural biases—an athlete's natural body type—fundamentally shape their potential to develop speed versus strength. Bill explains why certain structures gravitate toward specific sports, the trade-offs of training athletes without accounting for their build, and how to tailor exercise selection to individual biomechanics. The conversation also covers evaluating movement in pain-free athletes, using internal versus external coaching cues, and why "belly breathing" misrepresents proper diaphragm function. This episode offers essential insights for coaches looking to individualize training and better understand the relationship between structure, movement, and performance. Topics Include: Structural biases that favor speed versus strength developmentWhy elite athletes in the same sport share similar body typesHow structure determines pressure distribution and force production capacityThe "funnel" vs. "pillar" configurations and their performance implicationsTraining trade-offs when working against an athlete's natural structureExercise selection strategies for different structural archetypesEvaluating movement in athletes without pain or dysfunctionWhen to use internal versus external focus in coachingDirect assessment of diaphragm function and breathing mechanicsWhy "belly breathing" constrains the thorax and limits movement qualityUsing strategic loading to magnify movement patterns and evolve motor controlThe role of sensory awareness in recapturing relative motion📲 Connect with Bill Hartman: Instagram: @bill_hartman_pt Websites: ➡️ billhartmanpt.com ➡️ UHPC Model ➡️ RECON 📩 Contact Kevin: Follow and suggest future guests, topics, and questions: @KevinNeeld 📺 Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance 🧠 Subscribe to the free newsletter: KevinNeeld.com 📬 Email: KN@KevinNeeld.com ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Bill Hartman 02:00 – Ad read: Metabolic Elite 04:57 – Structural biases in speed vs. strength athletes 08:05 – Body types and sport selection 10:13 – Funnel vs. pillar configurations 12:07 – NFL combine data on structural ratios 14:09 – Tailoring exercise selection to structure 17:12 – Olympic lifting and structural considerations 19:08 – Recognizing structural constraints in training 21:15 – Hockey players and horizontal force application 24:25 – Pressure biases and exercise selection 28:53 – Extreme exhalers and training position 31:38 – Performance vs. structural restoration 36:08 – Movement screens for pain-free athletes 40:09 – Training environment and surface variability 45:18 – Long-term athletic development principles 48:55 – Biological vs. chronological age 53:04 – Growth mindset and continuing education 55:00 – Movement evaluation in pain-free athletes 57:32 – Breathing evaluation and relative motion 01:00:32 – Belly breathing vs. diaphragmatic function 01:01:50 – Connecting with Bill and the UHP Network

    Structural Biases in Speed & Strength Development (with Bill Hartman)

  4. 01/12/2025

    Foundational Truths in Athlete Development (with Mike Boyle)

    In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Coach Mike Boyle, one of the most respected and influential figures in strength and conditioning. Mike is the co-founder of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (MBSC), a best-selling author, and a former coach for the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, and U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, among others. His decades of work with youth, collegiate, and professional athletes have shaped modern performance training. They explore the "big rocks" of athletic development—timeless principles that remain essential even as trends, tools, and tech evolve. Mike shares insights from over 40 years in the field, including how to identify and develop athletes with long-term potential, when kids should begin training, and how parents can best navigate today’s youth sports landscape. This is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and performance pros looking for clear, experience-backed guidance to help athletes reach their full potential. Topics Include: The “big rocks” of training that outlast fads and technologiesWhat separates athletes who make it from those who fall shortThe right age to start formal strength and conditioningKey physical and psychological readiness signs in young athletesMisconceptions about youth training and growth stuntingAdvice for parents on year-round sports and specializationWhy most youth athletes don’t need to “play up” to get betterSigns of overuse and burnout in young athletesHow to identify appropriate coaching and training environmentsThe importance of consistency and long-term planning in developmentWhy early success doesn’t always lead to long-term achievement📲 Connect with Mike Boyle: Instagram: @michael_boyle1959 Twitter/X: @mboyle1959 Websites: ➡️ CompleteConditioning.com ➡️ BodyByBoyle.com ➡️ MBSC on TrainHeroic ➡️ StrengthCoach.com 📩 Contact Kevin: Follow and suggest future guests, topics, and questions: @KevinNeeld 📺 Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance 🧠 Subscribe to the free newsletter: KevinNeeld.com 📬 Email: KN@KevinNeeld.com Thanks for listening! ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Mike Boyle Bio 01:23 – Episode 9 topics 02:11 - Welcoming Mike Boyle to the podcast 04:02 – Coaching vs. technology 07:48 – Strength and consistency 12:28 – Traits of high-potential athletes 16:18 – Training vs. skill in offseason 20:58 – Role acceptance for long-term success 25:58 – Social media and talent myths 28:43 – Ideal age to start training 33:13 – Starting LTAD at 11 vs. 18 36:18 – Lifting and growth: myth vs. fact 39:20 – Long-term development mindset 43:00 – What separates pros 46:00 – Training adjustments with age 47:33 – Parent advice: avoid year-round hype 52:00 – Burnout and D1 predictors 56:00 – Development over tournaments 59:08 – What to look for in coaches/teams 1:03:00 – Where to follow Mike

    Foundational Truths in Athlete Development (with Mike Boyle)

  5. 14/10/2025

    Developing Maximum Strength for Athletes (with Eric Cressey)

    In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Eric Cressey, Director of Player Health and Performance for the New York Yankees and President and co-founder of Cressey Sports Performance. They delve into the importance of developing maximum strength for athletes and key characteristics of effective strength training methods. Eric discusses how to recognize when an athlete is strong enough and ready to pursue other primary training goals, acknowledging the evolution of athletic strength and the role of technology in assessing performance. They explore whether strength training can lead to reduced mobility and strategies to minimize potential loss in athleticism, particularly for rotational athletes. The conversation further addresses how strength training should evolve from off-season to in-season programs to account for competing demands, emphasizing maintaining strength with minimal volume during the competitive season. Finally, they cover critical aspects like the impact of athlete lifestyle habits (including sleep), managing injury history, and the importance of mentorship for young coaches in the evolving landscape of sports performance. This episode provides actionable insights for coaches and athletes looking to optimize training adaptation and career longevity. Topics Include: The importance of developing maximum strength for athletes.Recognizing when an athlete is strong enough to shift training focus.How strength training can impact mobility and athleticism.Training considerations for rotational athletes.Evolving strength training from off-season to in-season programs.The role of technology in assessing and guiding strength development.Strategies for maintaining strength with low volume in-season.The critical role of sleep in athlete performance and recovery.Balancing physical stressors with broader life stressors for athletes.The value of mentorship for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches.📲 Connect with Eric: EricCressey.com | Instagram: @ericcressey ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Eric Cressey 01:23 – Why strength is foundational for athletic development 03:22 – The impact of strength training on movement and conditioning 06:55 – How strong is strong enough? 08:21 – Using data and technology to guide individualized programming 10:27 – Balancing strength development with movement quality 14:00 – Adapting training as athletes age and progress 16:28 – Key considerations for rotational athletes 18:31 – The role of bilateral and unilateral lower body training 21:30 – Principles of effective in-season strength programming 25:38 – Managing training through the demands of a long season 29:34 – Balancing immediate performance with long-term development 33:03 – Top recovery strategies: Sleep, nutrition, hydration 36:14 – Managing stress and recovery in high-performance settings 38:09 – Periodizing year-round training for sustained progress 44:17 – Practical use of foam rolling and recovery tools 48:09 – Guidance for young coaches: Mentorship, reps, and soft skills 55:14 – Final thoughts on growth and coaching longevity 56:01 – Where to follow Eric and learn more about CSP internships Contact Kevin: Follow me and suggest future guests, topics and questions: @KevinNeeldWatch the videos: @NeeldPerformanceGet access to my FREE newsletter: KevinNeeld.com

    Developing Maximum Strength for Athletes (with Eric Cressey)

  6. 30/06/2025

    Building Complete Training Programs (with Mike Robertson)

    In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Mike Robertson, President of Robertson Training Systems and co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST), named one of the top ten gyms in America by Men's Health. They explore the foundational principles of program design, individualizing training, and navigating the complexities of an athlete's career. Mike introduces his "7 Rs" framework for building effective training programs, emphasizing the importance of every component from warm-ups to recovery. They dive into Mike's athlete assessment process, which includes identifying limitations and opportunities through conversation, movement analysis, and objective data. The discussion also covers the balance between performance gains and durability, including how risk tolerance in training should evolve across an athlete's career. Finally, they outline strategies for training post-injury, emphasizing psychological support and using recovery periods for holistic development. This episode offers actionable insights for coaches and athletes aiming to optimize adaptation and career longevity. Topics Include: The “7 Rs” framework for effective program designEducating clients on the “why” behind their trainingAthlete assessment and using objective dataBalancing performance gains with durabilityAdapting training to career stage and sport scheduleProgramming and supporting injured athletesConsistency’s role in long-term developmentExercises to restore movement capacityUsing isometrics and eccentrics in early offseason📲 Connect with Jim: RobertsonTrainingSystems.com | Instagram: @robtrainsystems ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and intro to Mike Robertson  01:29 – Mike’s influence on the podcast and programming approach  04:34 – The origin and breakdown of the “7 Rs” framework  06:18 – Educating clients and the impact of effective warm-ups  11:14 – Mike’s assessment process and use of objective data  15:31 – Video feedback and building confident training plans  19:18 – Follow-up testing and performance vs. movement balance  23:36 – Training buckets: Mobility, Neural Output, Metabolic  24:50 – Offseason strategies and avoiding interference effects  28:45 – Exercises to restore movement and enhance durability  33:34 – Risk tolerance and adjusting training across career stages  37:33 – Adapting to different sport calendars  42:10 – Holistic return-to-play strategies and mindset during injury  46:13 – Feedback loops and the importance of consistency  50:49 – Q&A: Improving hip IR and early offseason strategies  54:48 – Where to connect with Mike and his resources Supporting High Performance Metabolic Elite's entire line is designed to specifically support the health, performance, and recovery of high performers. Each product is formulated using research-supported ingredients and dosages using the highest quality ingredients, so you can be confident that every product you take will deliver the maximal benefit and effect. Check out why Metabolic Elite's Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper Save 15% using the code 'neeld15' at checkout here: Metabolic Contact Kevin: Follow me and suggest future guests, topics and questions: @KevinNeeldWatch the videos: @NeeldPerformanceGet access to my FREE newsletter: KevinNeeld.comEmail me: KN@KevinNeeld.comThanks for listening!

    Building Complete Training Programs (with Mike Robertson)

  7. 02/06/2025

    Mastering Metabolic Health for Athletes (with Jim LaValle)

    In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by clinical pharmacist, author, and metabolic health expert Jim LaValle to dive deep into the interconnected systems that underpin human health and performance. Jim introduces his “Five Triads” framework—an integrative approach that helps identify root causes of fatigue, poor recovery, gut dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. They explore how stress, inflammation, and training load affect everything from decision-making and stamina to resilience and hormone production. Jim outlines actionable strategies for optimizing metabolic function using lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted supplementation—offering practical solutions for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving to improve energy, recovery, and long-term health. This conversation is packed with insight and real-world applications for maximizing both performance and durability. Topics Include: The importance of viewing health through interconnected systemsHow cortisol disrupts multiple systems at onceGut-brain-immune dysfunction in athletesWhat your resting heart rate and HRV reveal about your readinessSupplements and lifestyle tools to restore balance across the triadsNutrition strategies to reduce inflammation and improve sleepWhy testosterone might be the wrong place to startFoundational habits to support resilience and longevity📲 Connect with Jim: JimLaValle.com | Instagram: @therealjimlavalle ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Jim LaValle 01:58 – Why interconnected systems matter more than isolated biomarkers 03:42 – Overview of the Five Triads 03:58 – Triad 1: Adrenal–Thyroid–Pancreas (The Energy Triad) 06:56 – Symptoms and interventions for Triad 1 dysfunction 08:21 – Triad 2: Gut–Immune–Brain (The Resiliency Triad) 11:58 – Brain inflammation, reaction time, and decision-making in sport 14:18 – Triad 3: Cardiopulmonary–Neurovascular (Endurance & Stamina) 17:09 – Blood pressure, microcapillaries, and recovery capacity 20:21 – Triad 4: Liver–Lymph–Kidney (Detoxification) 23:36 – Triad 5: Sex Hormones (Potency and Strength) 26:10 – Where to start if multiple triads are showing dysfunction 30:23 – Why root causes often lie in Triads 1 and 2 32:52 – The bidirectional relationship between gut and brain health 36:06 – Lifestyle strategies to improve immune resilience during a season 39:32 – Foundational sleep, food, and mindset habits for high performers 43:51 – Core supplements for gut, brain, and mitochondrial health 45:59 – Q&A: Interpreting lipid panels and LDL/HDL ratios 47:39 – Q&A: Underrated supplements for performance 50:06 – Q&A: How much time Jim spends reading and studying research 51:06 – Where to connect with Jim LaValle Supporting High Performance Metabolic Elite's entire line is designed to specifically support the health, performance, and recovery of high performers. Each product is formulated using research-supported ingredients and dosages using the highest quality ingredients, so you can be confident that every product you take will deliver the maximal benefit and effect. Check out why Metabolic Elite's Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper Save 15% using the code 'neeld15' at checkout here: Metabolic Elite My personal go-to's: To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: SynapsinTo improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra CurTo support the immune sys

    Mastering Metabolic Health for Athletes (with Jim LaValle)

  8. 06/05/2025

    Key Behaviors of Successful Athletes (with Brijesh Patel)

    In this episode, Brijesh Patel discusses the critical role that leadership, character, and daily habits play in athlete development and long-term success, including: What coaches are really evaluating during recruiting and playing time decisionsCommon behavioral red flags that predict performance and developmental issuesHow to develop athletes who can handle adversity and lead themselves and othersPractical strategies for improving mindset, communication, and resilienceWhat athletes wish they had done differently earlier in their careersThe habits and tools that help players thrive at the professional levelEvolve with Brijesh: Instagram: @bpatel515 Website: CoachBPatel.com Supporting High Performance Metabolic Elite's entire line is designed to specifically support the health, performance, and recovery of high performers. Each product is formulated using research-supported ingredients and dosages using the highest quality ingredients, so you can be confident that every product you take will deliver the maximal benefit and effect. Check out why Metabolic Elite's Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper Save 15% using the code 'neeld15' at checkout here: Metabolic Elite My personal go-to's: To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: SynapsinTo improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra CurTo support the immune system and weight management: ViraxallTo improve digestive health: Max 12 ProbioticContact Kevin: Follow me and suggest future guests, topics and questions: @KevinNeeld Watch the videos: @NeeldPerformance Get access to my FREE newsletter: KevinNeeld.com Email me: KN@KevinNeeld.com Thanks for listening!

    Key Behaviors of Successful Athletes (with Brijesh Patel)
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About

The Evolving Performance Podcast leverages insights from sport performance and rehabilitation professionals, athletes, and coaches to provide aspiring athletes and sport professionals actionable tools to optimize their progress. 

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Neeld
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Evolving Performance
  • Show Website
    Evolving Performance

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