The Performance Edge No One Talks About

Hey Team!

I’m back from an electrifying week in New York, and there’s more I want to share than can fit in one email (or even words). If I could bottle this feeling and pass it to you in person, I would. Connection is such a critical pillar of health.

The week kicked off with my friend Robbie Bent, Co-founder of Othership. I led their 4K run club and from there, the momentum built. Next up: Return to Self Retreat, hosted by my friend Michael Chernow and Michael Gazzo. But calling it a retreat doesn’t quite do it justice. It was a sacred platform for 30+ men to elevate their awareness, unpack what’s beneath the surface, and break free of what limits their potential.

I had high expectations, and they were blown away. Vulnerability is the greatest form of performance. Seeing a room of men lean in, get real, and open their hearts created a level of transformation that’s hard to describe.

If you want a quick look at the vibe—here’s a few shots from the weekend, including one with Michael & Michael.

A Mental Edge

When Michael first invited me to his Upstate property, I knew this would be powerful. It was more than that. Every time we choose to dig deep, elevate our self-awareness, and open ourselves to growth—we’re doing the real work. It shapes us for life and impacts those around us.

Being vulnerable is hard. Especially for men raised in a world where “toughen up” starts young. We wear masks. We bury emotions. But here’s the truth: vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s strength. It’s the ability to stay grounded in who you are, even while acknowledging your flaws. It’s knowing your worth while sharing your failures. It’s leading with both strength and softness—true divine masculinity.

I’ve lived this firsthand. There was a time when my relationships looked great on the surface but were broken beneath. It’s why I’ve done hundreds of hours of deep work—so I can now move through life with greater confidence, conviction, and compassion. I feel good first, and that creates safety and presence for those around me. Not the other way around.

This work isn’t easy. It’s not for everyone. But the payoff is bigger than any cheque. What’s one place in your life where leaning into vulnerability could elevate your performance? (It’s a question I ask often inside my mentorship, and one I’ll keep asking here.)

This Week’s Shift

Breathwork is something I hadn’t really integrated—until now.

During the retreat, we did hour-long breathwork sessions. Admittedly, I wasn’t sure how I’d handle it. Sitting still is not my strength. But this was different.

We practiced Rebirth breathing—very similar to holotropic or shamanic breathwork. A two-part inhale, one-part exhale, all through the mouth, designed to open the heart. The experience was profound: men were crying, screaming, reconnecting with versions of themselves they hadn’t faced in decades.

Physiologically, it was wild. My nervous system hit reset. My HRV spiked to 202 ms. My RHR dropped to 41 bpm. In all my years, I’ve never seen numbers like that.

Moving forward, I’ve committed to adding 10 minutes of breathwork to my morning routine.

In The Field

If this weekend reinforced anything, it’s this: human connection is health.

And here’s a truth worth remembering—everyone is going through something. Life is hard. Maybe harder now than ever.

Hearing the stories shared—heartbreak, illness, unimaginable adversity—was a gut check. It reminded me how easily we get thrown off by meaningless things. It helped me reset my own perspective.

Many of those hardships were tied to health, including cancer, birth trauma, and disease. It reignites my purpose to educate and empower others to live at their highest potential. And to be that helping hand when I can.

Quick Reminders Before You Start:

While away, I still prioritized my protein-rich first meal of the day. This time with Meal One by Kreatures of Habit (Michael’s company). It’s so tasty, and is especially great for anyone who prefers a plant-based protein option.

Secret update: We just completed another run of Opscotch Beef Protein. Expect to see more dark chocolate back in stock towards the end of next week. Thanks for your support and patience while we ramp up production.

As always, grateful to have you here, on the start line. Let’s keep choosing the courageous path: doing the work, building true connection, and leading with heart.

Catch you on the Start Line,
— Matty