Evolving Performance

Kevin Neeld

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. 

Episodes

  1. Episode 7: Building Complete Training Programs (with Mike Robertson)

    30 JUN

    Episode 7: 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), recognized as one of the top ten gyms in America by Men's Health. They delve into 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 explore Mike's comprehensive athlete assessment process, which includes identifying limitations and opportunities for improvement through conversation, movement analysis, and objective data. The conversation further addresses the critical balance between driving performance gains and enhancing durability, discussing how risk tolerance in training should evolve over an athlete's career. Finally, they cover strategies for training athletes immediately after an injury, focusing on psychological support and utilizing the recovery period as an opportunity for holistic development. This episode provides actionable insights for coaches and athletes looking to optimize training adaptation and career longevity. Topics Include: The "7 Rs" framework for effective training program design.The importance of educating clients on training methods.Comprehensive athlete assessment and objective data utilization.Balancing performance improvements with durability and longevity strategies.Adapting training approaches based on an athlete's career stage and sport schedule.Strategies for programming and supporting injured athletes.The role of consistency in long-term athletic development.Specific exercises for restoring movement capacity.Integrating isometrics and eccentrics in early offseason programming.📲 Connect with Mike: RobertsonTrainingSystems.com | Instagram: @robtrainsystems ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Mike Robertson 01:29 – Mike's reflection on his role in inspiring the podcast 03:31 – Discussion on Mike's approach to program design across diverse clients 04:34 – The origin story and evolution of the "7 Rs" training framework 05:21 – Detailed breakdown of the 7 Rs: Release, Reset, Readiness, Reactive, Resistance, Resiliency, Recovery 06:18 – The importance of including every component in a training system 06:55 – Strategies for educating clients on the "why" behind their training 09:28 – The profound positive impact of effective warm-ups on performance 11:14 – Mike's comprehensive intake and assessment process for new clients and athletes 13:12 – Discussion on assessing athletic and general movement foundations 13:46 – Utilizing objective data, including force plates, for athlete assessment and tracking 15:31 – Connecting assessment findings to a clear and confident plan of attack 16:07 – The value of video feedback for both client progress and coach development 19:18 – Integrating follow-up testing to guide program progression and decision-making 22:24 – Balancing addressing movement limitations with driving performance goals 23:36 – The three key "buckets" of training: Mobility, Neurological Outputs, and Metabolic Contact 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!

    56 min
  2. Episode 6: Mastering Metabolic Health for Athletes (with Jim LaValle)

    2 JUN

    Episode 6: 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 Contact 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!

    53 min
  3. Episode 5: Key Behaviors of Successful Athletes (with Brijesh Patel)

    6 MAY

    Episode 5: 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! Contact 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!

    41 min
  4. Episode 4: Respiratory Training to Improve Performance & Recovery (with Andrew Hauser)

    21 MAR

    Episode 4: Respiratory Training to Improve Performance & Recovery (with Andrew Hauser)

    In this episode, Andrew Hauser discusses the significant impact respiratory training can have on both performance and recovery, including: The science of breathing and how the relationship between carbon dioxide and oxygen can impact performance Specific breathing strategies to immediately impact short-term performanceLonger-term adaptations to respiratory trainingProgramming recommendations on how different breathing methods align with more traditional training practicesWhere athletes should start with respiratory training and objective measures to monitor progressEvolve with Andrew: Instagram: @andrew_hauser_atscWebsite: Continuum High PerformanceSupporting 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: @KevinNeeldWatch the videos: @NeeldPerformanceGet access to my FREE newsletter: KevinNeeld.comEmail me: KN@KevinNeeld.comThanks for listening! Contact 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!

    44 min
  5. Episode 3: Maximizing Muscle Growth (with Pat Davidson)

    24 FEB

    Episode 3: Maximizing Muscle Growth (with Pat Davidson)

    In this episode, renowned hypertrophy expert Pat Davidson does a deep dive on building muscle, including: The required stimulus for hypertrophy – what is required for your body to put on muscleKey training considerations to maximize muscular developmentHow the longstanding assumption that a specific hormonal response to training was required for building muscle may be misguidedSpecial considerations for athletes that want to put on muscleWhat “hard gainers” – people that really struggle to put on muscle – can do to maximize their progressKey nutrition and supplementation strategies to maximize hypertrophyEvolve with Pat: Instagram: @dr.patdavidsonWebsite: DrPatDavdison.netSupporting 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!

    1h 4m
  6. Episode 2: Goalie-Specific Training for Hockey (with Maria Mountain)

    27 JAN

    Episode 2: Goalie-Specific Training for Hockey (with Maria Mountain)

    In this episode, Maria Mountain, who specializes in goalie-specific training for hockey, shares her insights on: What makes the goalie position unique from forwards and defensemen and the implications this has for off-ice trainingWhy certain methods lead to goalies “over pushing” and getting out of position, and specific strategies to fix the issueThe role of strength training for goalies, and important information for goalies who don’t want to get too “bulky”Differences in the conditioning demands of practices and games for goalies, and how coaches can alter drills to improve their goalies’ developmentKey considerations for avoiding hip injuries and maximizing durability throughout the seasonIn this episode, Maria provides several practical examples of exercises goalies should integrate into their routines. I'd highly encourage you to watch the video of this episode on my YouTube channel (Goalie-Specific Training) and to check out her social channels below, which are packed with exercise demos for goalies.  Evolve with Maria: Instagram: @GoalieTrainingYouTube: @GoalieTrainingWebsite: GoalieTrainingPro.comSupporting 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!

    39 min
  7. Episode 1: Speed Training for Hockey (with Vicki Bendus)

    7 JAN

    Episode 1: Speed Training for Hockey (with Vicki Bendus)

    In this episode, Vicki Bendus shares incredible insights into speed training for hockey, including: Key findings from her research on identifying the most impactful physical factors and related off-ice tests for on-ice speedSpeed profiling strategies to identify where a player ranks relative to their peers and what qualities they need to improve to maximize their speedSpecific training strategies players can use to improve their speedThe difference between acceleration and max velocity, how each impacts the game and different training methods to improve eachImportant age-specific considerations and how to maximize speed in older playersImpactful strategies to improve speed during the seasonEvolve with Vicki: New publication: Linear skating speed key performance indicators in ice hockey: global or cohort-dependent?Instagram: @VickiBendusTwitter: @VickiBendusSupporting 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!

    47 min
  8. Episode 0: Welcome to the Evolving Performance Podcast

    2 JAN

    Episode 0: Welcome to the Evolving Performance Podcast

    Welcome to episode 0 of the Evolving Performance Podcast! As a quick introduction, my name is Kevin Neeld, and I’m currently the Director of Performance for the Boston Bruins. Prior to working in pro hockey, I spent time with USA Hockey’s women’s national team, and as a director at a private sports training facility working with athletes across a wide range of levels and sports. In 2020, I got my PhD in Human and Sport Performance and continue to stay actively engaged in research through serving on committees for master’s and doctoral students. The goal of this podcast is to identify topics that can have a meaningful impact on an athletes performance, their durability, their adaptation to training and their career longevity – and to bring on experts on those specific topics to help share practical insights that athletes and people working with athletes can start implementing immediately. I’ve been very fortunate across my career to network with some incredible performance coaches, rehab and medical professionals, researchers and educators, athletes and coaches that we’ll welcome as guests on the podcast so you can benefit from their knowledge and experience like I have. One of my other big goals with this is to involve you as much as possible. It’s important to me that the guests I bring on and the information shared on the podcast are actually helping you. As the listener, you will have a say both in what guests come on and what topics and questions we discuss. To start, I’ll be posting these types of requests for guests or questions for specific guests through my Instagram account (@KevinNeeld) so be sure to give me a follow there to keep up to date.  So if you’re an athlete or you work with athletes, this podcast is going to be a great resource to help you learn new or more efficient ways to keep evolving your game.  Contact 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!

    4 min

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. 

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