Best Matt Frates Podcasts (2025)

1
Pivoting from Basketball Shoes 16:40

6d ago16:40

16:40

Sneaker culture and basketball shoes have been synonymous for ages. Since the advent of the Air Jordan line, countless NBA (and WBNA) athletes have been given the signature shoe treatment. Each year new iterations of these signature lines debut, but has the line grown stagnant. Nike, Jordan Brand, and others need to look to other sports for their f…

1
Politics in Sports 20:21

4d ago20:21

20:21

Sports, for many, is the greatest escape from the ills of life. We used to sit down, tune into a game, the let it all wash away. In 2025 that is impossible. Politics in the United States has been woven into every fabric of our existence; impossible to run away from or ignore. Matt talks through the recent statements made by Saquon Barkley and Jalen…

1
Did Shadeur Sanders Get Screwed? 55:45

10d ago55:45

55:45

Iceman and Coach return to talk about everything they have missed in 2025. Including: 1. Ohio St wins the national championship 2. The Eagles finally break through in the Super Bowl. 3. The lack of madness during March Madness 4. NFL Draft drama with Shadeur Sanders Great to be back! --- Live every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.co…

1
E6: Big Bull Double - Kolby Heil, Talon Anderson, Cody Cunningham 57:49

11d ago57:49

57:49

I'm joined by a team of three young ambitious hunting partners who put in the time this past season and earned themselves two monster bull elk and gained a wealth of knowledge in the process. Cody, Talon and Kolby sit down to share their experience and talk about some of their takeaways from the season.…

1
Career vs Calling 21:18

15d ago21:18

21:18

For almost everyone, apathy sets in when it comes to our daily work. We spend forty, or more, hours at jobs that help to sustain our lifestyles, but don't always sustain our souls. Matt talks through his recent struggles. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy…

1
Sneaker Conventions 30:30

15d ago30:30

30:30

Back from Rome, Matt dives into sneaker conventions, but not in the traditional way. Prior to leaving, friend of the show DeVante Mack (@realmackism on Instagram) recorded an episode for the week Matt was gone. Due to technical issues overseas, it never saw the light of day ... until now. Tap in as Matt reacts to Devante's episode and provides his …

1
E5: Giant 5-Point Bull & Hunting with Family - Matt & Mark Sanders 46:53

19d ago46:53

46:53

Matt is joined by his son Mark to share their unforgettable hunt for a massive 5-point bull elk this past season. They reflect on the thrill of the hunt and the deeper meaning of sharing experiences in the outdoors with family and the next generation of hunters.

1
Ronnie Fieg and Kith 15:27

30d ago15:27

15:27

There have been many sneaker collaborators and influencers over the years. In the wake of the hype of running shoes in the culture, Matt briefly talks through Ronnie Fieg and his history in sneakers. He also talks a bit about Kith's arrival, influence and impact on the sneaker game. Tap in. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko…

1
Son of an Alcoholic 22:05

30d ago22:05

22:05

Addiction, much like cancer, has probably had an effect on nearly everyone in the world. In the United States, it's rampant. Being the child of an addict comes with lots of pain and frustration, but rarely do the kids get mentioned. The addict gets the shine, but in reality leaves a path of destruction that cannot be ignored. Matt talks through his…

1
Podcasting as Therapy - Introductions 38:58

1M ago38:58

38:58

Once upon a time this feed was used to talk about the world; the positive and the negative. Nearly 3 years ago it took a backseat to focus on more specific, fun niches. The world has been drastically different of late, and the time has come to use podcasting as a means to talk through it. Healing takes time, and now is the time to start. This podca…

1
Who Are Sneakers Really For? 17:18

1M ago17:18

17:18

The demographics of the sneaker world are dynamic. Many times when people hear about a "sneakerhead" they envision a certain look or behavior. The truth is that sneakers and the culture that surrounds them may not be for everyone. The culture attached to sneakers is perhaps made for specific people, but the commodities that are sneakers are for eve…

1
The Sneaker Economy 16:32

2M ago16:32

16:32

With all the hype buzzing about the return of sneakers and sneaker hype, it's a good time to look at what defines the economy of sneakers. Is it just buzz around a release or two? Or is it more? Matt checks in. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Friday. Call and give your sneaker sto…

1
(Unintentional) Gatekeeping in Sneakers 14:36

2M ago14:36

14:36

Sneakers is an expensive hobby with a large culture. There is a LOT to learn as you navigate. That knowledge can be a barrier to entry, and at times might be seen at gatekeeping. Matt talks through how he might be able to help. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Friday. Call and give…

1
Is Nike Tricking Us Into Copping? 15:46

2M ago15:46

15:46

The Jordan releases in 2025 have been hot, heavy, and steeping in history. On the surface it appears we are all getting what we want, but underneath the hood it seems much more intentional. Are we being conditioned into copping out of FOMO? Matt weighs in. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episode…

1
Restoring "The Feeling" in Sneakers 15:30

2M ago15:30

15:30

It's no surprise that 2025 in sneakers has started out hot. Between limited stock and fighting at releases, the question has popped up all over of "has the feeling been restored in sneakers?". Matt gets on his soap box to talk about what the feeling is to him and how we can bring it back. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-f…

1
E4: A Grizzly Stole My Elk - Jack Call 29:26

3M ago29:26

29:26

I sit down with my 80-year-old friend, Jack Call, to hear about close encounters with grizzlies, being forced to use a crossbow due to a shoulder injury, and the shortest archery elk hunt of our lives. To see a short video of the bull being shot, which we discussed in this episode, see the link below, or head over to the Zach Even YouTube channel. …

1
Sneaker Brand Responsibility 18:00

3M ago18:00

18:00

Stories in the sneaker news about violence at sneaker releases, Joe Freshgoods creating good will, and Yeezy going up in flames (again). Matt breaks it down. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Friday. Call and give your sneaker stories or opinions to be highlighted on a future episod…

1
E3: Moose Hunt Heart Attack - John Frates 51:04

3M ago51:04

51:04

John Frates recounts his incredible story of suffering a heart attack during a Wyoming Shiras moose hunt.

1
Sneakers That Haven't Aged Well in 2025 23:10

3M ago23:10

23:10

In sneaker culture, there are colorways and silhouettes that are universally beloved. Lately Matt has been wondering if all of them still hit the same in 2025? To find out, he asked YOU what you thought. Tap in to find out what the people had to say. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes ever…

1
E2: Hunting with Grandpa - Bennett Washburn 20:14

3M ago20:14

20:14

I sit down with a couple of young outdoorsmen, Bennett Washburn and Parker Sixbey, to discuss an elk hunt that Bennett shared with his grandpa, family and friends.

1
E1: 16-yr-old Shoots Grizzly in Self-Defense - Mack White 44:44

3M ago44:44

44:44

Mack White, a young Wyoming outdoorsman, shares his story about being forced to shoot a grizzly in self-defense during an elk hunt.

1
Is Sneaker Hype on the Rise? 14:08

3M ago14:08

14:08

After a back and forth with a listener of the pod, Matt dives into some recent examples of exclusivity and hype. The question is, does this symbolize a rise in sneaker hype? --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Friday. Call and give your sneaker stories or opinions to be highlighted on…

1
Leaders in Sneaker Culture (with DeVante Mack of The Mackism Effect) 52:21

4M ago52:21

52:21

The topic of representation and leadership in sneakers has been rampant. Matt invites DeVante to talk this through. Who are leaders in sneakers to you? Support DeVante on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmackism/ Listen to the Mackism Effect: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/divergent-being Support Divergent Being on YouTube: https://w…

1
Changes Seen in Sneaker Culture 18:40

4M ago18:40

18:40

Sneaker culture has changed fundamentally over the years, like many cultures do. How is the big question? Matt gives you five observations he has made. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Friday. Call and give your sneaker stories or opinions to be highlighted on a future episode: +1-…

1
Matt's 2025 Sneaker Resolutions 15:56

4M ago15:56

15:56

With the turnover into a new year, many make New Year's resolutions. After the success of last year's episode, Matt is back with five sneaker resolutions he is looking to uphold in 2025. What are some of yours? --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Friday. Call and give your sneaker sto…

1
Matt's 2025 Sneakers (and Content) Outlook 17:22

4M ago17:22

17:22

The new year has turned over and 2025 promises to be great! Matt breaks down the prosperous year that was 2024 and looks ahead to what 2025 has in store for both sneakers and the podcast. Happy New Year everyone! --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Friday. Call and give your sneaker s…

1
2024 (Subjective) Sneaker of the Year 23:15

4M ago23:15

23:15

At the end of each. year, sneaker culture debates on what the sneaker of the year is. While it's all completely subjective, Matt gives some of his favorites in a decent year for sneakers. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Friday. Call and give your sneaker stories or opinions to be …

1
Final College Football Playoff Bracket Breakdown! 1:09:16

5M ago1:09:16

1:09:16

Iceman and Coach are back as the final College Football Playoff rankings drop. The guys break it down, including: 1. Recap of a chaotic championship weekend. 2. Analyzing the CFP bracket. 3. Taking a look at bowl season. and more! --- Live every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IandCSports Call or Text I&C Sports with your opini…

1
Nike Fumbling the Black Cement Jordan 3 18:00

5M ago18:00

18:00

The Black Cement Jordan 3 is high regarded as one of the best Air Jordans of all-time. The release of the 2024 retro has been nothing short of controversial. The stories of lacking quality and inconsistency beg the question of whether sneaker lovers should voice with their wallets more loudly going forward. Matt checks in with his thoughts. --- Lik…

1
StockX and the Ideals of Authenticity 16:55

6M ago16:55

16:55

StockX is facing significant challenges as it grapples with its ability to authenticate sneakers, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the resale market. Matt gets into the implications of StockX's admission that it cannot guarantee the authenticity of the shoes it sells, especially in light of the lawsuit from Nike. --- Like what you he…

1
Is There SEC Bias in the College Football Playoff Rankings? 1:00:25

6M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

The College Football Playoff rankings provide more drama as the SEC makes up nearly half the field. In this week's episode: 1. Breaking down the new CFP Rankings. 2. Talking the projected CFP bracket. and more! --- Live every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IandCSports Call or Text I&C Sports with your opinions: +1 (703) 718-63…

1
The Legacy of DJ Clark Kent 15:05

6M ago15:05

15:05

DJ Clark Kent, sneaker icon, passed away at the age of 58. He was a true sneaker icon. Matt briefly goes into his legacy, and how he will be remembered by sneaker culture. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Friday. Call and give your sneaker stories or opinions to be highlighted on a…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Matt Frates Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen