Best Matt Frates Podcasts (2025)

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Social Media Toxicity 15:55

Play Pause

5d ago15:55

15:55

Expounding on his initial episode about the Urban Necessities story, Matt goes into the human elements behind the aftermath. Social media is a mainstay in society and while it has its benefits, it also has many pitfalls. The Urban Necessities situation has been an example of the toxicity that social media can traffic in: taking sides, false narrati…

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Urban Necessities 16:00

13d ago16:00

16:00

Urban Necessities, a popular sneaker consignment shop, is under fire due to allegations of defaulted payments and lacking customer service. Matt gives an overall take with the information had at the time (more has since been revealed). Like other scandals before it, Urban Necessities tests the trust of the sneaker community. --- Like what you hear?…

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Some Iconic Sneaker Moments 26:30

18d ago26:30

26:30

The nostalgia brought on by the NBA Finals has Matt thinking about iconic moments in sneaker history. This episode presents 15 seminal moments along the road to sneaker culture in 2025. While sports helped drastically shape the mold of what is sneaker culture today, there are other moments sprinkled in that have had major impacts as well. What is y…

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The Concept of Family (w/ Clev Wason of 'The Manual') 1:11:31

25d ago1:11:31

1:11:31

The construct of what family is has been the same for centuries. Family has also been seen as exclusive to blood relatives, but in today's world that definition needs revisiting. Matt brings in the first guest to the therapy couch, his brother Clev. Matt gets Clev to open up about his life, his relationships with people, and how his father shaped h…

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Breaking Down the Nike Price Hikes 18:50

27d ago18:50

18:50

Nike has raised prices, seemingly in response to trade decisions and conditions globally in 2025. Sneaker prices have be steadily going up over the years, but consumers continue to pay. With more attention paid to the prices of sneakers, Matt dives into today's prices compared to historical prices (adjusted the inflation) to see if things are as ba…

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5+11 = College Football Playoff 58:10

1M ago58:10

58:10

Iceman and Coach are back to talk about the spring that was in sports! On this week's show: 1. New 16 team College Football Playoff proposal 2. Sports cities and markets 3. Pete Rose into the HOF? 4. RIP Jim Irsay Tap in! --- Live every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IandCSports Call or Text I&C Sports with your opinions: +1 (…

1
Dick's Sporting Goods Buys Foot Locker 16:00

1M ago16:00

16:00

On the heels of the sale of Sketchers, Dick's Sporting Goods makes a huge splash with their acquisition of Foot Locker. Foot Locker, like many businesses, is seeing a decline in sales and stock prices with the world economy in flux. Dick's pounced on an opportunity they hope will rise their value globally. What does this mean for sneaker culture? M…

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NBA Conspiracy Theories 36:35

2M ago36:35

36:35

Iceman comes to you with a solo episode talking through some hot topics in sports. In this episode: Trading Giannis - Debating player loyalty. NBA Draft Lottery - conspiracy theories abound as Dallas gets #1 overall pick. Nick Saban wants to curb NIL. Chris Berman's legacy. --- Live every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IandCSp…

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Sketchers Sells for How Much?! 15:27

2M ago15:27

15:27

Sketchers is a major global footwear brand, and one that has probably never been mentioned on this podcast. Their recent sale, for close to $9 billion, got Matt's attention. While Sketchers and sneaker culture have never been aligned, could this sale be the jumping point for Sketchers to get into the hype game? Matt gives his thoughts. --- Like wha…

1
Catharsis Through Life Events 17:45

2M ago17:45

17:45

Therapy, even in podcasting, is oftentimes seen as a way to exercise negativity or negative life experiences from ourselves. The truth is we can work through life by breaking down the positive moments as well. Matt's recent trip to Virginia Tech, seeing Metallica play, opened up a Pandora's box of catharsis. How often do we have life changing momen…

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Politics in Sports 20:21

2M 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
Pivoting from Basketball Shoes 16:40

2M 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…

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Did Shadeur Sanders Get Screwed? 55:45

2M 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…

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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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 …

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

3M 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.

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Ronnie Fieg and Kith 15:27

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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 Monday. Follow Fire Footwear on Instag…

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(Unintentional) Gatekeeping in Sneakers 14:36

4M 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 Monday. Follow Fire F…

1
Is Nike Tricking Us Into Copping? 15:46

4M 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…

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Restoring "The Feeling" in Sneakers 15:30

4M 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…

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

5M 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. …

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Sneaker Brand Responsibility 18:00

5M 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 Monday. Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firefootwearpod/?hl=en…

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

5M ago51:04

51:04

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

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

5M 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…

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E2: Hunting with Grandpa - Bennett Washburn 20:14

5M 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.

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

5M 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.

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Is Sneaker Hype on the Rise? 14:08

5M 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 Monday. Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firefo…

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

5M 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…