2ndLap Podcast

Rob Mattson

Walking while podcasting. Healthy Living. Gratitude. Lead with Love

  1. 21 HR AGO

    2ndLap Podcast with Robbie - Purple Hearts Over Red and Blue - Joined by Ronnie West

    In this episode of 2ndLap with Robbie, Gramps walks alone in North Carolina while visiting family, starting the show with a deeply personal tribute to his grandson Hank, who passed away too soon. Hank walks with Robbie every single day and has been a driving force in his personal growth and human development. This touching opening honors a life gone too soon but never, ever forgotten.After his tribute, Robbie brings on Ronnie West for a powerful conversation about self-improvement, accountability, and the messy reality of being human. They discuss the importance of striving to be better while also giving ourselves grace when we fall behind—because we will. Perfection isn't the goal; progress and compassion are.One of the most profound moments comes when Ronnie asks Gramps about his use of the purple heart emoji across his social media interactions. Robbie's response is incredibly insightful: the country is divided into red and blue, but he believes all humans are both. The purple represents that blend, and it's his way of saying "I love you no matter what" to everyone he encounters online.This leads to an honest and heartfelt discussion about simply being human—about trying our best to take care of the people we love, staying present in the moment, and refusing to get sucked into the divisive rhetoric that dominates social media. It's a reminder that beyond politics, beyond opinions, we're all just people trying to navigate life together.Topics Covered:• Honoring Hank's memory and legacy• Self-improvement with self-compassion• Being accountable while accepting imperfection• The meaning behind the purple heart• Rising above red vs. blue divisions• Loving people regardless of differences• Being present for those who matter• Avoiding social media toxicity and division• What it means to be humanSubscribe to 2ndLap with Robbie for more heartfelt conversations about life, love, loss, and the journey to becoming better humans.#SelfImprovement #Unity #PurpleHeart #BeingHuman #MentalHealth #Compassion #Family #2ndLapA 2026 @GailForceStudio Production

    43 min
  2. 4 FEB

    The OG - "You are a System!" | 2ndLap podcast with Robbie

    In this episode of 2ndLap with Robbie, Gramps walks with OG (@OGcrookedwest on X) for one of the deepest and most thought-provoking conversations the podcast has ever had. This episode explores the fascinating parallels between human biology and artificial intelligence, and how understanding ourselves as complex systems can change everything.The conversation kicks off with a mind-bending discussion about how human biology mirrors AI systems—both incredibly complex, adaptive, and interconnected in ways we're only beginning to understand. From there, OG and Robbie dive into an expansive array of topics that all connect back to this central theme of systems thinking.They explore the world of AI and its implications for humanity, NFTs and digital art, and OG's creative process. But the conversation goes far beyond technology. They get deeply personal, discussing friendships and how they shape us, the complexities of relationships, and the critical importance of mental health. OG opens up about learning to understand and deal with trauma, and how recognizing that we are systems—biological, emotional, and social—can help us heal and grow.This wasn't just a podcast recording—it was a live conversation on X that drew a massive audience with incredible interactions and engagement throughout. The energy and depth were unlike anything we've experienced before.If you're interested in the intersection of technology and humanity, mental health, creativity, or simply want to hear two people have an honest conversation about what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world, this episode is a must-watch.Topics Covered:• Human biology as a complex system• The parallels between human intelligence and AI• NFTs, digital art, and the creative process• How friendships shape who we become• Navigating relationships with intention• Mental health and understanding trauma• Systems thinking applied to personal growth• The future of AI and humanityFollow OG on X: @OGcrookedwestSpecial thanks to everyone who joined us live on X and engaged with this incredible conversation!Subscribe to 2ndLap with Robbie for more deep, unfiltered conversations about life, technology, health, and what it means to be human.#SystemsThinking #AI #MentalHealth #Trauma #NFTs #DigitalArt #DeepConversation #2ndLapA 2026 @gailforcestudios Production

    1h 25m
  3. 4 FEB

    Ronnie West - Talking, but not Walking - 2ndLap Podcast with Robbie

    In this episode of 2ndLap with Robbie, things look a little different. Gramps is stuck in his hotel room in Vegas during a sales convention—NOT WALKING for once! But that doesn't stop him from having a great conversation with returning guest Ronnie West.Ronnie kicks things off by asking Robbie for an update on his heart health and how his recovery and fitness journey have been progressing. It's a candid check-in that shows the real day-to-day work of prioritizing your health after a scare.Robbie flips the script and digs into Ronnie's latest experiments and workout routines. They discuss the various protocols Ronnie has been testing on himself and dive into the realities of business ownership—the stresses, the wins, and everything in between that comes with running your own show.The conversation takes an inspiring turn as they discuss creators on social media who are starting their physical fitness journeys later in life. Both Robbie and Ronnie have been particularly inspired by @road_goes_on_with_laura and her incredible streak of walking 2,046 consecutive days. Robbie might have even topped that number himself, but that's not what matters.The real message they land on is powerful: be inspired by others, learn from their journeys, but understand you're not in competition with them. The only person you're competing against is the person you were yesterday. It's about personal progress, not comparison.Topics Covered:• Heart health updates and recovery progress• Ronnie's latest fitness experiments and workouts• The reality of business ownership stress• Finding inspiration in late-life fitness journeys• Laura's 2,046-day walking streak• Competition vs. inspiration mindset• Focusing on your own progress, not others'Follow Laura's inspiring journey: @road_goes_on_with_lauraSubscribe to 2ndLap with Robbie for more honest conversations about health, fitness, business, and becoming better than you were yesterday.#HeartHealth #FitnessJourney #Inspiration #WalkingStreak #PersonalGrowth #BusinessOwnership #SelfImprovement #2ndLapA 2026 @gailforcestudios Production

    44 min
  4. 27 JAN

    Matt Endsley - Technician, Not A Roadie! | 2ndLap Podcast with Robbie

    In this episode of 2ndLap with Robbie, Gramps walks with old friend Matt Endsley (@endzoo) for one of the most fascinating and unpredictable conversations yet. Matt's life story reads like a choose-your-own-adventure book—from painting Burger Kings to building stages for the world's biggest artists, and yes, even surviving a gunshot.Matt takes us through his journey starting as a painter and discovering life on the road as a concert technician (not a roadie—he'll explain the difference). He's worked behind the scenes on tours for legends like the Grateful Dead and Guns N' Roses, as well as modern superstars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. The stories from the road are incredible, including the time he tried to pay an up-and-coming John Mayer for a gig right before his solo career exploded into stardom.They dive into the differences between building massive concert sets for arena tours versus the more controlled chaos of corporate events that Matt now runs with his wife. Each world has its own challenges, personalities, and wild moments.But perhaps the most jaw-dropping part of this conversation is when Matt tells the story of being shot—and how texting and driving, ironically, saved his life. It's a story you have to hear to believe, and it's just one of many reasons we can't wait to have Matt back on the podcast.This episode is packed with music industry insights, road stories, life-and-death moments, and the kind of authentic conversation that only happens between old friends catching up while walking.Topics Covered:• Life as a concert technician on major tours• Working with iconic artists from multiple generations• The John Mayer payment story you won't believe• Building concert sets vs. corporate event production• Surviving a gunshot—the full story• How texting and driving accidentally saved a life• Lessons learned from decades on the roadFollow Matt Endsley on Instagram: @endzooSubscribe to 2ndLap with Robbie for more incredible stories, honest conversations, and perspectives you won't hear anywhere else.#ConcertLife #MusicIndustry #TourLife #BehindTheScenes #LifeStories #SurvivalStory #2ndLapA 2026 ‪@GailForceStudios‬ Production

    40 min
  5. 27 JAN

    Ashton Zager - Passion to Profit Without Burnout | 2ndLap Podcast with Robbie

    In this episode of 2ndLap with Robbie, (Gramps) walks and talks with his daughter, Ashton Zager, for a raw and honest conversation about turning passion into profit without losing what you love about it in the first place. Ashton runs a weaving kits and packages business, and she's navigating the delicate balance between creative fulfillment and business demands.They dive into the reality of transforming a passion project into a sustainable business—how to handle the stress, maintain boundaries, and keep the joy alive when your hobby becomes your income. Ashton shares her struggles with wanting to preserve what she loves about weaving while dealing with the pressures that come with running a business.As an avid lifter and CrossFit athlete, Ashton also opens up about competing in her 30s and the humbling realization that recovery takes longer and the body doesn't bounce back like it did in her 20s. She talks about the challenge of juggling business demands, family life, and still pushing herself to compete against athletes a decade younger.The conversation takes an interesting turn when Ashton reveals her approach to social media—implementing a "social media fast" where she only allows herself access between 2pm-7pm. This is particularly challenging since her business relies heavily on social platforms for marketing and sales. She shares how she's making it work and why setting these boundaries has been crucial for her mental health and focus.This episode is packed with insights for anyone trying to build a business around something they love, manage the inevitable stress that comes with entrepreneurship, stay physically active while aging, and create healthy boundaries with social media in a digital-dependent world.Topics Covered:• Turning passion projects into profitable businesses• Avoiding burnout while building something you love• Competing in CrossFit in your 30s vs. 20 year olds• Managing family, business, and fitness simultaneously• Social media fasting while running a social-dependent business• Setting boundaries for mental health and productivity• The reality of entrepreneurship beyond the highlight reelFollow Ashton on Instagram: @ashtonzagerfiberartSubscribe to the 2ndLap Podcast with Robbie for more authentic conversations about business, health, family, and finding balance in the chaos.#Entrepreneurship #PassionProject #SmallBusiness #CrossFit #SocialMediaDetox #WorkLifeBalance #2ndLap #LeadwithloveA 2026 @GailForceStudios Production

    50 min
  6. 27 JAN

    Ryan Turner - Feed Your Body Better! - 2ndLap Podcast with Robbie

    In this episode of 2ndLap, host Robbie (Gramps) walks with nutrition expert Ryan Turner (@foodisfuelnyc) for a comprehensive conversation about understanding what you're putting into your body and how it affects everything from recovery to hormones.Robbie opens up about his recent health concerns and dives into the questions that matter most. He asks Ryan about the role of fiber in our diets, which foods can help reduce soreness and inflammation, and how to properly approach calorie intake for optimal health. They explore the importance of protein—how much we really need and why it matters—and get into the complexities of hormones, including testosterone levels and what impacts them.The conversation also tackles the often-confusing world of fats, breaking down the difference between good and bad fats and how they affect our bodies. Ryan provides clear, practical answers to Robbie's questions, cutting through the noise and confusion that surrounds modern nutrition advice.This is a must-watch for anyone looking to take control of their health through better nutrition, whether you're dealing with recovery, trying to optimize performance, or simply want to understand how the food you eat impacts everything from energy levels to hormone balance.Topics Covered:• The importance of fiber in your diet• Foods that reduce soreness and aid recovery• Understanding calorie intake and needs• Protein requirements and benefits• Hormones and testosterone optimization• Good fats vs. bad fats explained• Practical nutrition advice for real peopleFollow Ryan Turner on Instagram: @foodisfuelnycSubscribe to 2ndLap with Robbie for more honest conversations about health, nutrition, and taking control of your wellness journey.#NutritionMatters #FoodIsFuel #HealthyEating #Testosterone #ProteinIntake #HealthyFats #WellnessJourney #2ndLapA 2026 @GailForceStudios Production

    38 min
  7. 27 JAN

    Ronnie West - Being Your Guinea Pig - 2ndLap Podcast with Robbie

    The first podcast of the Year!In this episode of 2ndLap with Robbie, host Robbie welcomes Ronnie West to discuss what it means to be your own guinea pig when it comes to health and wellness experiments. Ronnie has been putting his body to the test with various recovery and wellness methods, and he's here to share the real results—the good, the bad, and the surprising. The conversation dives deep into Ronnie's cold plunge routine, exploring the benefits, challenges, and what he's learned from consistently exposing himself to ice-cold water. They also discuss sauna protocols, comparing different methods and temperatures, and how heat therapy complements cold exposure for optimal recovery and health benefits. Beyond hot and cold therapy, Ronnie opens up about the various health-related products and protocols he's tested on himself. From supplements to recovery tools, he shares honest feedback on what's actually made a difference and what turned out to be overhyped. This is a refreshingly candid look at self-experimentation in the wellness space—no sponsorships, no sales pitches, just real experiences and honest results. If you've ever been curious about cold plunging, sauna therapy, or whether those trending health products are worth your time and money, this conversation will give you the unfiltered insights you need. Topics Covered: • Cold plunge protocols and benefits • Sauna methods and optimal practices • Real reviews of health and wellness products • The mindset of self-experimentation • What works (and what doesn't) for recovery Subscribe to 2ndLap with Robbie for more authentic conversations about health, wellness, and the journey to feeling your best.A 2026 ‪@GailForceStudios‬ Production

    44 min
  8. 27 JAN

    Patric Fransko - Building The Life You Dreamt Of | 2ndLap Podcast with Robbie

    In this episode of 2ndLap, Robbie sits down with entrepreneur Patric Fransko to discuss life after successfully selling his business and entering an exciting new chapter. Patric opens up about the journey of building the life he envisioned, making smart investment decisions, and his passion for cars and off-road vehicles.After years of dedication and strategic planning, Patric shares valuable insights on what it takes to achieve your goals and the importance of investing wisely for long-term success. From navigating the business sale process to finding balance between work and the things you love, this conversation is packed with real-world advice for anyone looking to build their own dream life.In This Episode:• The story behind Patric's recent business sale• Investment strategies and financial planning for entrepreneurs• His passion for cars and off-road adventures• Life lessons and advice for the younger generation• What truly matters when building a meaningful life• Starting fresh: Embracing new chapters with purposeWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, automotive enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration to pursue your dreams, Patric's journey offers practical wisdom and motivation to take control of your future.Connect with Patric Fransko:  / faithand4wd  https://windowfilmpros.com/Subscribe to 2ndLap Podcast for more conversations with inspiring individuals who've built extraordinary lives on their own terms. A 2025 @GailForceStudios Production

    45 min

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Walking while podcasting. Healthy Living. Gratitude. Lead with Love