Transcript

A (0:03)

All right, today we got a really unique podcast. We just finished two days of ride camp. This was ride camp one back to back hundred mile days. And we're here with the majority of the crew to rehash and revisit what went well, what didn't go well, and give you guys a glimpse into a behind the scenes of what the ride's really going to look like with the people that are going to help fuel me, help manage me, and also help bring a lot of fun and a lot of joy along the way. So let me just introduce you to everybody. We got Logan. He's going to be behind the camera. We got Rob, He's a crew chief. We got Jeff. He's going to be editing behind the camera. And also the chef. Then we got Mike, ultimate hand offer of water bottles and snacks. Rob, what do you think about the first couple days here?

B (0:46)

I think we did pretty well overall. There's obviously things that we need to fix and improve on from every standpoint. I know me, I have things to fix on you in regards to fueling and maybe getting a little bit more calories in, and then just overall media where placement should be, how to catch moments in the moment so we don't have to repeat too much stuff. Overall, I think it was pretty fantastic.

A (1:10)

So I haven't told any of you guys this, but my biggest pet peeve every time I was about to climb a big hill is when you guys wanted to do a handoff. I was like, in the middle of facing a giant hill, and all of a sudden I hear like, you want food.

C (1:21)

The thing is, it was always right after a big hill, though.

A (1:24)

I know. Coming down.

B (1:25)

Yeah, we would get you as you were going down, which was right before.

C (1:28)

But that's just where we were, is that it was always. We went up a big hill, and we're like, he probably needs something coming down. And then you're just right back to another hill.

A (1:36)

I'm like white knuckling the handlebars. And I see Mike, like, you want this pancake with Oreos in it? I'm like, dude, I really want it, but if I let go of these handlebars, I'm going to fall.

B (1:44)

Well, you would also, like, go up a hill. Like, traffic would congregate behind you. We'd let it pass, and then by that time, you were almost at the bottom of the hill.

A (1:52)

I was blown away at how many people beeped at us, like, anger beeped. We had a couple positive beeps today.

Summary

The Matt King Show – Episode 054: "Team That Makes the Impossible Possible"

Date: April 7, 2026
Host: Matt King
Guests/Crew: Rob (Crew Chief), Logan (Camera), Jeff (Editor/Chef), Mike (Water/Snack Handoffs), plus multiple team members

Episode Overview

This special episode offers an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at Matt King's ambitious ride camp—two back-to-back 100-mile cycling days with his project support crew. The team gathers post-camp to debrief, reflect on challenges and victories, and share candid stories from the road. The conversation covers team dynamics, the importance of fun and contribution, personal motivations, overcoming doubts, giving back, and the central role community and mindset play in achieving "impossible" goals.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Ride Camp Experience

Training Outside vs. Inside:
Matt reflects on transitioning from indoor training to real-world road riding, highlighting the unpredictability and camaraderie (00:30–01:44).
Team Roles:
Quick introductions set the tone, revealing everyone’s unique role—media, crew chief, culinary support, logistics (00:03–00:39).
Road Realities:
Encounters with traffic, both supportive and hostile, punctuate the ride: “[We] had a couple positive beeps today. That thumbs up today fired me up, to be honest.” (A, 01:52–02:00)
Learning and Fun:
Matt emphasizes making the journey enjoyable, not just endurable: “We have to have fun… The camaraderie is the most fun.” (A, 03:54–03:59)

2. The Crew’s Perspective: Strengths, Growth, and Quirks

Role Perfection:
Everyone is described as being in their "zone of genius":
“It's just really neat to see people, like, operate in their zone of genius.” (A, 04:00–04:36)
Food and Fuel:
The team jokes about snack handoffs at precarious times, which brings levity but also exposes real logistical lessons:
“I'm like white knuckling the handlebars. And I see Mike, like, you want this pancake with Oreos in it? I'm like, dude, I really want it, but if I let go of these handlebars, I'm going to fall.” (A, 01:36–01:44)

3. Impact and Giving Back

Community Outreach:
A major theme is the project's commitment to supporting children:
“It's all about the kids… One of the kids there was 17. He said he's been in the system for five years… Like, could you imagine at 10 years old having a concept of what a caseworker is?” (A, 14:00–14:49)
Memorable Giveback Moment:
Logan describes the significance:
“It was a really impactful afternoon for the kids, dropping off all those sports balls… Definitely something that I'll remember for the rest of my life.” (E, 04:42–05:03)

4. Personal Motivations and Mindset Shifts

Why Do This?
- Logan: “First one would just be filmmaking… Second… love travel… third one would be the overall… giving back.” (D, 06:10–06:40)
- Rob: “I personally, in life, selfishly, like, watching other people maximize their potential… That fires me up.” (B, 09:03–09:32)
- Jeff: “It all kind of comes back to a lot of what I've done… like daily edits… like I've been, like, training to do that for almost 10 years…” (C, 10:17–10:51)
- Mike: “I take a lot from these types of events… becoming inspired from whatever big goal is being accomplished or attempted.” (E, 13:08–13:34)
Mindset and Sacrifice:
Matt cites Eric Thomas: “If you want to achieve success, you gotta want it badder than you want to breathe…” (A, 11:54–12:10)
Resilience and Adversity:
Hills and headwinds are used as metaphors for life’s challenges:
“Who am I to expect a life without hills? Life is all about hills. It's all about ups and downs.” (A, 24:54–25:24)

5. Doubts, Discipline, and Lessons

Overcoming Doubt:
The team openly discusses moments of doubt (e.g., a failed attempt at a 100-mile run), but highlight discipline and showing up as determinative factors:
“The main thing that I saw… was that everyone showed up on time, everyone knew where to be. The mission will most likely be accomplished with the right gear.” (B, 15:02–15:34)
Fuel and Nutrition:
Discussion on the importance of calorie intake:
“If you eat and sleep the right amount, you could go do 150 miles a day with your fitness that you currently have.” (B, 28:54–29:02)

6. Team Camaraderie and Culture

Inside Jokes & Nicknames:
The camaraderie is evident in the spontaneous assignment of nicknames:
- Mike: “Magic Mike” (because of near-miss mishaps and, humorously, his trail ‘close call’ with bathroom breaks) (E, 38:52–39:29)
- Jeff: “Chef Jeff”
- Rob: “Chief”
- Matt: “Red Light” (“Red Light is a great name. That's so funny. Yeah, Red Light works great.” – B, 41:16)
Conspiracy Theories & Banter:
The crew bonds over playful debate on aliens, pyramids, the Big Bang, and other “quarantine van” topics.
“You think the pyramids were made by humans?” (B, 07:38)

7. Motivation from Critics and Doubters

Fuel on the Fire:
Matt keeps a "receipts" journal of doubters for motivation:
“Every time somebody has given me criticism or critique about the ride, I just wrote it down. Name, date, what they said.” (A, 37:07–37:20)
- Even loved ones: “Melissa's, like, number two on the spot… ‘Terrible idea. You'll never do it.’” (A, 37:09–37:20)
Building from Negativity:
“It's not doing it to spite them. It's doing that to, like, thank them after the fact. And, like, my plan is… I'm gonna say, like, hey, thanks for doubting me, man. Like, that helped me get through this mile.” (A, 37:32–37:41)

8. Safety and Real-World Challenges

Road Hazards:
Anxiety over traffic safety persists:
“Getting you from point A to point B in one piece is the goal… someone might not be paying attention on the road and something crazy could happen.” (E, 31:34–32:09)
- Real road scares: “[A] I mean, I only ran a couple red lights.”
  “[B] You ran every red light.” (33:45–33:47)

9. Community Engagement and Impact

Encouraging Listeners:
Multiple suggestions for listeners/viewers to go beyond watching:
- Rob: “If you feel compelled to do something that we're doing… that's a great way to feel more connected when you're not there.” (B, 42:03–42:26)
- Logan: “Grab a good snack… it'll be a fun watch.” (D, 42:30–42:36)
- Jeff: “Hitting that subscribe button is very important. Sharing it with a friend… Comment and give that more fuel.” (C, 43:09–43:46)
- Mike: “Let us know… what you want to see. It gets, like Logan said, it's a very repetitive thing like riding day after day. So share some ideas…” (E, 44:28–45:08)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Teamwork:
“Everybody in their zone of genius is, like, magical.” – Matt King (A, 03:54)
On Motivation:
“If you want to achieve success, you gotta want it badder than you want to breathe.” – Eric Thomas (quoted by A, 11:54)
On Criticism:
“When you challenge the status quo of what's possible, people don't know what else to do besides tell you you're not going to make it…I just take the receipts.” – Matt King (A, 36:42–37:26)
On Perspective:
“Who am I to expect a life without hills? Life is all about hills. It's all about ups and downs.” – Matt King (A, 24:54)
On Team’s Quirks:
“[Logan] brings the camera, I’m like, hey, Logan, you feel that wind? He’s like, ‘No.’ I’m like, really?” – Matt King (A, 03:03–03:16)
On Road Safety:
“You never know what they’re going to do.” – Rob (B, 34:11)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

00:03 – Introduction and team roles
01:10 – Matt shares pet peeves about food handoffs mid-hill
02:04 – Commentary on positive and negative driver interactions
04:42 – Reflections on the team’s “giveback” with local kids
09:03 – Rob’s motivation and the dual role of support and impact
11:54 – Matt on mindset, Eric Thomas quote, and sacrifice
24:54 – Hills as a metaphor for challenges in life
28:54 – Discussion on nutrition and what enables endurance
33:24 – Road safety, traffic scares, and importance of being alert
36:42 – Critics, motivation, and keeping receipts for fuel
38:52 – Nicknames and crew camaraderie
42:03 – How listeners can engage, participate, and contribute
44:00 – Lessons learned, mindset, and reflections at sunrise
46:44 – Using the children’s stories as motivation on tough climbs

Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

Team Ethos: It’s clear that achieving the “impossible” is a collective endeavor—built on fun, hardship, mutual support, and a shared purpose much bigger than cycling itself.
Engagement: Listeners are urged not just to follow the journey, but to get involved—donate, comment, share, suggest people to help, and push their own limits.
Purpose: The ride is not about personal glory, but maximizing positive impact for children in need, with every struggle serving that core mission.
Mindset: The conversation is honest, humor-filled, and at times vulnerable—showcasing that high achievement is as much about attitude and adaptation as it is about skill.

For more:
Follow the crew on social media, engage with their journey, and if you know someone along their route who needs help, reach out so they can make a real-world impact.

Pain is part of the plan. But together, the impossible becomes possible.

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054: Team That Makes the Impossible Possible