CrankMat Podcast

Ryan Hayes
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Wrestling

Welcome to the CrankMat Podcast, where wrestling stories get the spotlight they deserve. From youth, high school, college, and amateur wrestling to independent wrestling and MMA, we sit down with the competitors, coaches, and personalities who live the grind every day. Expect honest interviews, event talk, career journeys, training insight, comeback stories, and conversations with the people who make wrestling and combat sports special. CrankMat is about passion, hard work, respect for the sport, and giving both established names and the next generation a chance to be heard.

Episodes

  1. Sep 9

    CrankMat Podcast EP. 5 Fargo All American Jake Amiott- Topsail High School, NC

    In this episode of the CrankMat Podcast, the Topsail High School standout joins Ryan Hayes to talk about the work, mindset, and support system behind his growth on and off the mat. Jake breaks down his 11-day wrestling trip to Bulgaria, what he learned from competing with European wrestlers, and how international freestyle wrestling has changed his approach to parerre, defense, leg laces, recovery, and scoring opportunities. Jake also reflects on becoming a Fargo All-American, including the ups and downs of his tournament run, battling through an ankle injury, winning his blood-round match, and learning an important lesson about continuing to compete after reaching a major goal. He shares how setbacks at the North Carolina state tournament helped push him to wrestle with more freedom, confidence, and focus throughout the offseason.

  2. Sep 8

    CrankMat Podcast EP. 4: Josh Kindig- NCAA D1 Runner Up OKST

    In this episode of the CrankMat Podcast, Ryan Hayes sits down with accomplished wrestler and coach Josh Kindig for an honest conversation about wrestling, coaching, mental health, self-care, and the relationships that shape young athletes. Josh reflects on his path from PIAA state champion and Oklahoma State standout to coaching high-level wrestlers, while sharing his perspective on helping kids develop confidence, accountability, resilience, and—most importantly—a real love for the sport. The conversation also tackles the role parents play in youth wrestling, handling losses and frustration, trusting coaches, and why growth matters more than clout or short-term results. They also share stories from the wrestling world, including coaching standouts such as Jax Forrest, Noah Nininger, Joe Sealey, and others, while discussing adversity, personal growth, and protecting your peace both on and off the mat.

  3. Aug 30

    CrankMat Podcast EP. 3: UWW U20 World Champ Aeoden Sinclair & Dominic Bambinelli- Mizzou Wrestling

    Aeoden Sinclair and Dominic Bambinelli join CrankMat Wrestling Media for an in-depth conversation about their journeys to the University of Missouri, the lessons they have learned through wrestling, and the faith that keeps their identities grounded beyond the mat. Sinclair and Bambinelli explain what attracted them to the Mizzou wrestling program and the culture of Tiger Style. Bambinelli opens up about the mental toll of his ACL injury, how that difficult season led him closer to the Lord, and why he learned not to place his entire identity in a sport. Sinclair shares a similar perspective on being a Christian wrestler, emphasizing that wrestling is important but cannot define who he is. Fresh off winning the UWW U20 World Championship, Sinclair also discusses competing internationally, the differences in wrestling overseas, experiencing new cultures, and what it means to represent the United States on the world stage. Both wrestlers also reflect honestly on matches and performances they wish they could have back. They break down what went wrong, how they responded to disappointment, and the lessons they took from those moments to become better competitors and people. This episode is about high-level wrestling, Mizzou culture, overcoming adversity, learning from losses, faith, and keeping the right perspective through every stage of the journey.

  4. Aug 29

    CrankMat Podcast EP. 2: 2026 UWW U17 World Champ Nelson Villafane- Riverside HS (PA) Mat Assassins

    In this episode, we sit down with Nelson Villafane of the Mat Assassins Wrestling Club to talk about his journey, his goals, and the work he is putting in to reach the highest level of the sport. Nelson reflects on the pride of winning a world title for Puerto Rico at the United World Wrestling U17 World Championships, formerly referred to as the Cadet division. He shares what that championship experience meant to him, especially having Mat Assassins head coach Van Dobish in his corner during one of the biggest moments of his wrestling career.

  5. Aug 29

    CrankMat Podcast EP. 1 New Topsail Head Coach Dave Baumgarten on Building NC Wrestling

    On this episode of the CrankMat Podcast, Ryan Hayes sits down with newly named Topsail High School head wrestling coach Dave Baumgarten. Baumgarten discusses his move from Long Island to North Carolina, the welcoming wrestling community he has found in the Topsail area, and his vision for building a strong, family-centered program. He explains why he believes North Carolina has the talent to become an even bigger wrestling hotbed—and why challenging the system, including conversations around the state’s classifications, can help push the sport forward. Coach Baumgarten also breaks down the foundation already in place at Topsail, highlights returning and incoming wrestlers and also explains his approach to scheduling. Rather than chasing dual-meet records, he emphasizes tournament development, giving athletes opportunities to battle back through brackets, and building a complete team capable of competing at the highest level.

  • 5 Episodes

About

Welcome to the CrankMat Podcast, where wrestling stories get the spotlight they deserve. From youth, high school, college, and amateur wrestling to independent wrestling and MMA, we sit down with the competitors, coaches, and personalities who live the grind every day. Expect honest interviews, event talk, career journeys, training insight, comeback stories, and conversations with the people who make wrestling and combat sports special. CrankMat is about passion, hard work, respect for the sport, and giving both established names and the next generation a chance to be heard.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Hayes
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ryan Hayes