
Purple Patch Podcast
Author and Triathlon Coach, Matt Dixon, will empower and educate you to integrate sport into life in order to reach your athletic potential because, it is through the lens of athletic potential, that you reach your human potential.
In addition to topics such as planning your fitness into a time-starved life, the show will provide in-depth interviews, advice, and insight into optimizing your health, work, and life performance, along with the critical habits and approaches that facilitate the success of some of the world's top performers across many disciplines.
Latest episodes

Nov 17, 2021 • 43min
194 Dr. Chris Winter Answers Your Sleep Questions on Wearables, Naps, Middle-of-the-Night Anxiety, and More
Matt welcomes Dr. Chris Winter back to answer your questions about the importance and performance-enhancing effects of good SLEEP. If you think quality sleep has no bearing on your performance in life or sport, think again. "Doing Well" and simply "Being Able to Do" are two different things. Both Matt and Dr. Winter want you to do well and that is why they dig into your questions today, including: His opinion on sleep trackers and wearables Advice for those who are paralyzed by the trackers and data Are there wearables that are more or less accurate than others? How do I discern the best product on the market? When should I alter or cancel a workout after a night of poor sleep? How do I know when I need to get a new mattress? How do I return to sleep after middle-of-the-night disruption? What is the best timing of meals and hydration before I go to sleep? I hate getting up to pee! What tactics can women in perimenopause use to help sleep? How do I manage high work/life stress and anxiety at night? Are naps or periods of rest each day a good thing, even for professionals? 0:00-01:45 Welcome and Episode Introduction 01:45-7:40 Squaddie Update and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker 7:50 The Meat and Potatoes - Dr. Chris Winter answers your sleep questions About Dr. Chris Winter Dubbed "The Sleep Whisperer" by Arianna Huffington, Dr. Winter has been involved in the field of sleep medicine for twenty-five years. A fully board-certified neurologist and double board-certified sleep specialist, Dr. Winter has been helping individuals sleep better through his private clinic, group consultations, work with professional athletes, and dynamic media presence. His first book, The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It has received high praise both in the United States and internationally as a fresh and effective approach to a growing problem. Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25 Episode 194 Webpage Charlottsville Neurology and Sleep Center The Rested Child - by Dr. Chris Winter The Sleep Solution - by Dr. Chris Winter Episode 8 Purple Patch Podcast with Dr. Chris Winter Episode 193 Purple Patch Podcast with Dr. Chris Winter Dial in YOUR Fueling with Purple Patch Comprehensive Nutrition Programming Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Nov 10, 2021 • 1h
193 Dr. Chris Winter - The "Sleep Whisperer" on How to Improve your Confidence and Reliability of Sleep
Matt welcomes Dr. Chris Winter back to the podcast to revisit our most potent performance enhancer, the secret to fitness improvement, heightened focus and clarity, better resilience and immune system, and a promise to the enhancement of your overall health. Today, Matt and Dr. Winter present your ultimate guide to sleep and help unpack the mystery of sleep. Key takeaways: His role as a Neurologist and Sleep Scientist - to improve your confidence and reliability of sleep Tools in his toolbox to help patients - behavior change, medications, C-Pap, etc. The Physiology of Sleep - What's happening to our body and brain when we sleep? The detrimental effects on our body and brain when we rob ourselves of adequate sleep Positive yields when you improve your sleep Why you shouldn't judge success by the number of hours you sleep What are some of the common sleep mistakes? Dr. Winter's recommendations and an action plan on sleep hygiene 0:00-04:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction 03:40-10:20 Squaddie Update and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker - "So You Want to Do Your First IRONMAN" - Live webinar with Matt Dixon 10:20-12:15 Word of the Week - Strength 12:30 The Meat and Potatoes - A Discussion on Sleep with Dr. Chris Winter About Dr. Chris Winter Dubbed "The Sleep Whisperer" by Arianna Huffington, Dr. Winter has been involved in the field of sleep medicine for twenty-five years. A fully board-certified neurologist and double board-certified sleep specialist, Dr. Winter has been helping individuals sleep better through his private clinic, group consultations, work with professional athletes, and dynamic media presence. His first book, The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It has received high praise both in the United States and internationally as a fresh and effective approach to a growing problem. Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25 Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Center The Rested Child - by Dr. Chris Winter The Sleep Solution - by Dr. Chris Winter Episode 8 Purple Patch Podcast with Dr. Chris Winter So, You Want to Do An IRONMAN? Live with Matt Dixon - November 16th at 5:00pm PST Dial-in YOUR Fueling with Purple Patch Comprehensive Nutrition Programming Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Nov 3, 2021 • 18min
192 The Imprint of Swimming
Matt takes a week off to pay tribute to his late Mother, Mary Owen. It is her influence that inspired him and his family's love of the outdoors, swimming, and, ultimately, coaching. What do you want to do with your life? Who or what is most important to you? Who are the folks that you want to keep in touch with? Don't let them go. Learn More About Purple Patch Fitness, Training, and Education

Oct 27, 2021 • 60min
191 Lift Heavy, Get Fast - Why Every Endurance Athlete and Fitness Enthusiast Should Be Lifting Heavy
Matt welcomes Coach Mike Olzinksi back to the podcast to discuss heavy strength training for both fitness enthusiasts and endurance athletes. This deep dive into heavy lifting will answer commonly asked questions and dispel myths around lifting, especially as it pertains to endurance athletes. They answer: Why should you incorporate heavy lifts into your strength sessions and what are the benefits of lifting heavy? Who should lift heavy? Is anyone off-limits here? What exactly does it mean to "lift heavy?" Where and how does it fit into your schedule? What type of heavy strength training should you do? What are a few of the fundamental heavy lifts endurance athletes and fitness enthusiasts should incorporate? In addition to the many benefits of incorporating some heavy lifting into your weekly schedule (think postural strength, ability to produce more power, reduction of overuse injuries, and better body composition), Matt and Mike also take on the many myths around heavy lifting. Will you bulk up too much? Will you get slower? You'll find out in this pragmatic discussion around lifting heavy in the off-season. 0:00-04:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction 04:00-06:00 Squaddie Update - "So You Want to Do Your First IRONMAN" - Live webinar with Matt Dixon 06:15 Meat and Potatoes with Mike Olzinski - Why Every Endurance Athlete Should Be Lifting Heavy Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25 Download our Free Guide to Great Deadlift Form So, You Want to Do An IRONMAN? Live with Matt Dixon - November 16th at 5:00pm PST Dial in YOUR Fueling with Purple Patch Comprehensive Nutrition Programming Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Oct 20, 2021 • 48min
190 Nutrition Case Study: Fueling For the Elite Amateur Athlete
In Part 3 of the Purple Patch series on performance nutrition, Matt Dixon, along with leading performance nutritionist, Scott Tindal, lift the veil on nutrition and fueling with nutrition case studies around real-life Purple Patch athletes. The goal for all? To frame a smarter common-sense approach to nutrition and fueling in order to build a long-term platform of health and resilience. This final case study is centered around the elite amateur triathlete, Andy Williams. Like many triathletes, Andy is seeking top-level performance in all areas of his life, with his primary goal being an IRONMAN World Championship qualification. His first few attempts had been disastrous, but all-too-common for many multisport athletes. He's gone from GI distress from overconsumption to bonking because of underconsumption. Like many, prior to working with Purple Patch and FuelIn, Andy didn't have a grasp on his eating and fueling habits. He didn't know his sweat rate, body composition, amount of fuel he should be taking in, and what types of food he should prioritize around training and racing. This led to confusion and paralysis, dangerous experimentation, frustration, and poor results relative to training potential. With the guidance of Scott and Matt, Andy developed strategies around: His Baseline numbers - knowing exactly where he was starting from and where he needed to be Repeated testing and nutrition practice in stressful training situations to mimic hard race conditions Hot Water Immersion and/or Sauna protocols for heat acclimation Better organization and specificity around his eating and nutrient timing for energy management, hunger control, and body composition. In this discovery process, Andy upskilled his knowledge, felt empowered and confident during races, and achieved his goal of qualifying for both the 70.3 and IRONMAN World Championships. This work included no voodoo science, no magic elixirs, and no secrets. As you'll hear, the only requirements were a massive desire to learn, organization around habits, and repetitively applying that knowledge. 0:00-04:05 Welcome and Episode Introduction 04:06-07:40 Squaddie Update - Upcoming Events include a Discussion with Inside Tracker, a Live IRONMAN Florida Course Overview, and a public webinar on the topic, "So You Want to Do Your First IRONMAN." All are encouraged to register at the links below 07:45-11:40 Word of the Week - "Strong" - Join Matt on his Strength Journey 11:45 Meat and Potatoes with Scott Tindal - Andy Williams and the Elite Amateur Triathlete Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25 Building Your Platform of Health - A Discussion with Inside Tracker - October 21st at 3:00 pm PST IRONMAN Florida - Course Overview and Insights - October 26th at 5:00 pm PST So, You Want to Do An IRONMAN? Live with Matt Dixon - November 16th at 5:00 pm PST Dial-in YOUR Fueling with Purple Patch Comprehensive Nutrition Programming FuelIn Programming Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Oct 13, 2021 • 56min
189 Shore Up Your Weaknesses
As you shift away from the demands of racing in 2021, it is the prime time to focus on improving your weaknesses. Why Now? This is time because overall training stress is much lower and you’re not under a burden to chase fitness for races. Coach Matt Dixon (with a little help from his silent sidekick, Barry) discusses converting your weaknesses to strengths and turning your liabilities into performance improvements in 2022 and beyond. In this episode, he centers his advice around three commonly identified weaknesses: Being Constantly Prone to Injury and Niggles Adult-Onset Swimming Weakness and Fears Running Weakness Remember, addressing any of your weaknesses takes courage as well as a long-term lens on your performance. Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25 Building your Platform of Health: A Discussion with InsideTracker - October 21st at 3:00pm PST IRONMAN Florida: Free LIVE Course Overview and Insights with Matt Dixon - October 26th at 5:00pm PST So You Want to Do An IRONMAN - Live with Matt Dixon - November 9th at 5:00pm PST Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Oct 6, 2021 • 52min
188 Nutrition Case Study - Fueling For the Mid-50s Executive Time-Starved Athlete
In Part 2 of the Purple Patch series on performance nutrition, Matt Dixon, along with leading performance nutritionist, Scott Tindal, lift the veil on nutrition and fueling with nutrition case studies around real-life Purple Patch athletes. The goal? To frame a smarter common-sense approach to nutrition in order to build a long-term platform of health and resilience. This case study is centered around Purple Patch athlete, Pat Romano. Pat is the CEO of Chargepoint and a dedicated husband and father. He has been a consistent high-performing Purple Patch athlete for over 10 years. The mission with Pat is simple: How can we help him still excel in sports performance as he starts heading towards his late 50s? And, how can he continue to thrive in energy and health to enable him to be the best leader and father he can be? Matt and Pat developed strategies around: Endurance Programming around getting stronger and faster Doubling Down on Strength and Conditioning work Emphasis and Recommitment on Nutrition and Fueling - Are there any stones unturned in his approach to nutrition? Today, Matt and Scott walk you through the discovery process, diagnosis, and strategies for Pat's success including his best-ever performance at Oregon 70.3. 0:00-07:30 Welcome and Episode Introduction 07:30-11:20 Squaddie Update - FREE LIVE Webinar with Matt Dixon and Inside Tracker 11:25-14:35 Word of the Week - "Remarkable" 14:45 Meat and Potatoes with Scott Tindal - Pat Romano Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25 Building Your Platform of Health - A Discussion with Inside Tracker - October 21st at 3:00pm PST Dial in YOUR Fueling with Purple Patch Comprehensive Nutrition Programming Read Pat Romano's Full Athlete Case Study Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Sep 29, 2021 • 48min
187 A Peek Into The Future of Purple Patch and How We Will Amplify Your Performance
What do you look for in a training program or group? What qualities will amplify your performance? Of course, you want a smart and progressive training plan throughout the season, but at Purple Patch, we believe there is so much more than just a "beef stew" of workouts. Matt and the team at Purple Patch want you to thrive in sport and life, develop great supporting habits around your training, and build a platform of accountability, feedback, and community. So, what is Purple Patch doing to deliver on this mission? How are we planning to evolve? And, most importantly, how will you benefit from these additions? Matt reveals what Purple Patch Fitness has planned over the coming year - how we're going to build on the massive success of 2021 and help athletes and fitness enthusiasts thrive, shine, and find great performance in sport and life. We are evolving in three main areas: Help more people through Bike and Run Squad programming Better Measure Progress and Gains through Habit Creation with Inside Tracker Improve Coach and Community Connectivity via live coached workouts, athlete watch-parties, improved education tracks, swim analysis, and more. Yes, it's a peek behind the curtain, but also a description of programming, tools, and inspiration to help you chart your own progress through the coming season. As always, if you'd like to learn more or have a conversation about our community, reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com. 0:00-03:40 Welcome and Episode Introduction 03:40-06:25 Who the Bleeding ‘Eck Are You - Cliff Merritt 06:25-10:15 Squaddie Update - Join Matt in a Commitment to Strength Training 10:20 Meat and Potatoes: Purple Patch Fitness- A Look into the Future of Comprehensive Training for Sport and Life Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25 Gain Access to our Recent Webinar on Post-Season: The Secret To Your Best Year Ever Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Sep 22, 2021 • 1h 2min
186 So, You Want to Qualify for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships?
Coming off of a successful IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships where 85 Purple Patch athletes qualified, Coach Matt Dixon looks back at this event and shares insights and athlete stories of goal setting, habit creation, community, resilience, and success. He then outlines four components that are critical for you to achieve your success, especially if you, too, look to qualify at some point. 0:00-05:45 Welcome and Episode Introduction 5:45- 09:00 Squaddie Update - September 29th FREE LIVE Webinar with Matt Dixon - season planning questions, nail your off-season 09:05-12:39 Who the Bleeding ‘Eck Are You - Phillip Faulkner 14:45 Meat and Potatoes - So, You Want to Qualify for 70.3 Worlds? Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25 September 29th LIVE Q&A with Matt Dixon - Post-Season: The Secret To Your Best Year Ever Phillip Faulkner's Team in Training Donation Facebook Page Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

Sep 15, 2021 • 47min
185 Nutrition Case Study - Fueling For the Female Perimenopausal Athlete
Matt revisits the popular subject of performance nutrition. Together, with leading performance nutritionist, Scott Tindal, they kick-start a miniseries of nutrition case studies around real-life Purple Patch athletes. The goal? To frame a smarter common-sense approach to nutrition in order to build a long-term platform of health and resilience. This first case study is centered around Purple Patch athlete, Ann Neir. Ann is a high-level executive and high-performing triathlete. She's also navigating the waters of perimenopause, which is having an effect on energy, training, and daily life activities. In working on her nutrition with Scott Tindal, they hope to uncover and address deficiencies that may be prohibiting her from reaching potential in sport, work, and life. She, of course, wants to thrive in all areas and today Matt and Scott walk you through her discovery process, diagnosis, and strategies for success. 0:00-04:24 Welcome and Episode Introduction 04:24-06:20 Who the Bleeding ‘Eck Are You - James Harrington - 1st Overall at IRONMAN Wisconsin 06:22-10:45 Squaddie Update - September 29th FREE LIVE Webinar with Matt Dixon - season planning questions, nail your off-season 10:45 Meat and Potatoes with Scott Tindal - Ann Neir Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25 September 29th LIVE Q&A with Matt Dixon - Post-Season: The Secret To Your Best Year Ever Episode Webpage Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events