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The Benas Podcast

by Benas Matkevicius

My name is Benas and I'm passionate about traveling, sports and coffee. In this podcast I will aim to combine all three of them by 'zooming' around the world and talking to sports professionals and coffee savants around the world while having nuanced conversations about different topics within their profession. If you're interested in hearing the stories and lifestyles of high achievers, the biggest lessons throughout their life, their mindsets within their respective sports then please subscribe to this podcast, buckle up, get your cup of coffee and 'come fly with me'. Thank you :)

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Episodes

  1. EP#97 | Chris Babb: Transition from player to coach, retirement & mental health journey

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#97) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Chris": Chris Babb’s basketball journey took him from Penn State and Iowa State to the NBA. After going undrafted in 2013, he made his...

  2. EP#96 | Igor Kokoškov: Mentorship, NBA Journey, Slovenia’s EuroBasket Gold & Project B

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#96) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Igor": Igor Kokoškov’s remarkable coaching journey began in Serbia before taking him to the NCAA and then the NBA, where he spent more...

  3. EP#95 | Valdas Dambrauskas (LT): Trenerio identitetas, "kompetencijų arka" ir kaip atrasti save?

    NAUJAS EPIZODAS! (EP#95) Jeigu norite palaikiti ši podkasta (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Svetaine: www.bmatke.com Remejas: www.proballers.com "Valdas": Valdas Dambrauskas – vienas ryškiausių Lietuvos futbolo trenerių, savo kelią pradėjęs Anglijoje ir vėliau dirbęs…

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  4. EP#94 | Giuseppe "Peppe" Poeta: Coaching with tolerance and authenticity

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#94) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Peppe": Giuseppe “Peppe” Poeta is a former Italian national-team point guard who played for clubs including Virtus Bologna, Baskonia,...

  5. EP#93 | Nicolej Krickau (Füchse Berlin): Coaching & Scouting Team Handball vs Basketball

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#93) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Nico": Nicolej Krickau is a Danish handball coach whose playing career ended early due to injury, leading him into coaching at a young...

  6. EP#92 | Tautvydas Sabonis: Inside a Rookie Head Coach's Mind

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#92) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Tutis": Tuti grew up playing basketball in a basketball family and eventually transitioned to coaching. He accepted an assistant coach...

  7. EP#91 | Dražen Orešković: Basketball in Syria, Developing Jusuf Nurkic & Croatia Basketball

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#91) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Dražen": Dražen Orešković’s coaching career has mostly been built as a high-level assistant coach in Croatian and European basketball,...

  8. EP#90 | Darius Songaila (LT): NBA etapas, pamokos iš Gregg Popovich & nauji vyr. trenerio iššūkiai

    NAUJAS EPIZODAS! (EP#90) Jeigu norite palaikiti ši podkasta (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Svetaine: www.bmatke.com Remejas: www.proballers.com "Sonko": Darius Songaila – vienas ryškiausių savo kartos Lietuvos krepšininkų, daugiau nei dešimtmetį rungtyniavęs NBA ir Europos...

  9. EP#89 | Luka Bassin - Doncic Effect, Slovenia Basketball & Player Development

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#89) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Luka": Luka Bassin is a Slovenian basketball coach, player-development specialist, and scout known in regional European basketball...

  10. EP#88 | Vlado Micov: From Player to Galatasaray Sports Director

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#88) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Vlado": Vlado Micov is a former Euroleague player and current Sports Director for Galatasaray basketball. He has played in several…

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  11. EP#87 | Rajko Blaskovic: Vocal Health for Coaches

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#87) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Rajko": Rajko has Serbian roots but is born and raised in Vienna, Austria and is not your typical basketball guest. He's a...

  12. EP#86 | Mindaugas Kuzminskas (LT): Atvirai apie Jono Kazlausko aurą, karjeros iššūkius ir ateities tikslus

    NAUJAS EPIZODAS! (EP#86) Jeigu norite palaikiti ši podkasta (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Svetaine: www.bmatke.com Remejas: www.proballers.com "Kuze": Mindaugas Kuzminskas – vienas universaliausių savo kartos Lietuvos krepšininkų, galintis žaisti tiek lengvojo, tiek sunkiojo...

  13. EP#85 | James Gist: Life After Pro Basketball, Mentorship & the Next Generation

    Former EuroLeague standout James Gist joins The Benas Podcast to talk honestly about life after pro basketball, chasing the NBA dream, and preparing for basketball retirement. Drafted by the San Antonio Spurs and stashed in Europe, James built a high-level career with elite clubs like Partizan…

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  14. EP#84 | Tomas Balčėtis (Žalgiris Kaunas): NBA Champion on Draft, Trades, AI Analytics & Culture

    In this episode of The Benas Podcast, I sit down with Tomas Balčėtis — former Denver Nuggets front office member, 2023 NBA Champion, Harvard University graduate, and CEO of Confluence Valley (Tesonet Group). Tomas spent 20 years in the United States, worked inside the NBA, and now connects…

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  15. EP#83 | Tomas Balčėtis | NBA, „Draft“, kultūra & žmoniškumas

    Šiame epizode – pokalbis su Tomu Balčėčiu, kuris praleido 20 metų JAV, studijavo Harvarde, dirbo Denver Nuggets organizacijoje ir tapo NBA čempionu (2023). Šiuo metu Tomas yra CEO of Confluence Valley („Tesonet“ grupė) ir dirba su „Žalgirio“ bei „London Lions“ klubais, vystydamas duomenų…

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  16. EP#82 | Regev Fanan (Maccabi Tel Aviv) - Connection between Performance staff & Coaching staff

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#82) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Reggie": Reggie is currently the strength&conditioning coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv. After his playing career came to an end he became…

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  17. EP#81 | Mario Fioretti (Derthona Tortona) - 22 year journey from Assistant to Head Coach

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#81) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Mario": Mario Fioretti is a first time Head Coach after spending 22years at Milano as an Assistant coach under various Head Coaches,...

  18. EP#80 | Dan Shamir (Hapoel Jerusalem) - Showing willingness to change roles and grow!

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#80) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Dan": Dan Shamir always grew up wanting to be a coach until he became one working his way up from being an Assistant Coach with the...

  19. EP#79 | Alan Ibrahimagic (DBB) - Winning Eurobasket 2025, Cultural Diversity & Youth System

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#79) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Alan": Alan Ibrahimagic, the interim Head Coach of Germany's basketball National Team who took over the team during Eurobasket 2025...

  20. B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: ROUND-TABLE DISKUSIJA (LT) - J.Valanciunas, P.Motiejunas, T.Okmanas, R.Kaukenas

    Support 👉 https://www.patreon.com/bmatke www.b8summit.com Šis epizodas – paskutinis B8 Summit 2025 renginio pokalbis, suvedęs Lietuvos sporto lyderius! Per visą round-table diskusiją buvo paliesta daugybė temų, kurias aptarė Tomas Okmanas, Jonas Valančiūnas, Paulius Motiejūnas ir Rimantas...

  21. B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Giannis Sfairopoulos (Red Star Belgrade)

    B8 Summit Website: www.b8summit.com If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.creapure.com www.proballers.com "Giannis": Giannis is a highly accomplished Head Coach in the Euroleague who was at the helm of Olympiacos Piraeus & Maccabi Tel Aviv and...

  22. B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Daniele Baiesi (Olimpia Milano)

    B8 Summit Website: www.b8summit.com If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Baio": Daniele is a long-time friend of mine and a highly successful basketball front office executive in Europe. Daniele started his career as a…

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  23. B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Vincent Collet (Team France)

    Vincent Collet is a house-hold name in the world of European Basketball...especially when it comes to FIBA competitions. Vincent's achievements with the French National Team are second to none! His teams won 4 Eurobasket medals, 2 world cup medals & 2 Olympic medals between 2011 - 2024. His…

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  24. B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Kostas Chatzichristos (Head of Performance - Olimpia Milano)

    Kostas is a long time friend of mine and a 3x Euroleague champion in his own right and currently the Head of Performance at Olimpia Milano. He last worked at Fenerbahce since 2022 under Dimitris Itoudis and later Sarunas Jasikevicus and recently signed with Ettore Messina's team in Milano! He...

  25. B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Ibon Navarro (Unicaja Malaga)

    Ibon Navarro: Ibon Navarro is a highly accomplished Head Coach in Europe and today he came to our summit in Vilnius to talk about the culture he created in Malaga, Spain! The two time King's Cup & back to back BCL championship coach has a lot of experience already and today we spoke about his...

  26. EP#78 Sani Becirovic - From the hardest time of his life to Euroleague champion

    If you want to support my podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Sani Boy": Sani is a well-known former player as well as highly respected personality because of his positive attitude and mindset. Sani was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and played an…

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  27. EP#77 Guillaume Vizade - French system, 'effort oriented' culture, sincere coaching & the 'tag up' system

    If you want to support my podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Guillaume": Guillaume is making a name for himself in France and this is just the beginning. After being the Head Coach at Vichy for numerous years he won the Leader's Cup of the ProB in 2024…

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  28. #76 Linas Kleiza (LT) - apie pasitikėjimą savimi, NBA naujoko gyvenimą, traumas, vaikus ir naujus iššūkius jų tėvams

    Bilietai į B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius renginį: www.b8summit.com Mano podcasto palaikymas (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Rėmėjas: www.proballers.com Svetainė: www.bmatke.com "Linse": Šio epizodo svečias yra Linas Kleiza - jo ilgai pristatinėti nereikia. Be šešių sezonų, praleistų NBA, Linas...

  29. #75 Petteri Koponen - Draft & Stash mindset, Finland Basketball & Coaching in New Zealand

    If you want to support my podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Petteri": Petteri is a well-known basketball player who was drafted in 2007 by Philadelphia but his rights ended up being traded several times during his career and he never made the final…

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  30. #74 Mikko Riipinen - Swedish NT, BG Göttingen Head Coach & Low-hanging fruit

    If you want to support my podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Mikko": Mikko is the Head Coach of the Swedish Basketball NT and recently qualified with Sweden for the Eurobasket in 2025. He's also the Head Coach of BG Göttingen in the German BBL and is...

  31. #73 Jamion Christian (Trieste) - Do you have the capacity to reach your full capacity?

    If you want to support my podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke You can Find "Jamion" here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamion_christian/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamion.christian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamion-christian-683b54208/ X:...

  32. #72 Dr. Cheri Mah - How to minimize jet-lag & sleep like a pro!

    If you want to support my podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke You can Find "Dr. Mah" here: Website: https://www.drcherimah.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcherimah/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcherimah LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcherimah/ X:...

  33. #71 Luigi "Gigi" Datome - Mentality Of A Shooter & Love For Books

    If you want to support my podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Gigi": Gigi Datome is a household name in Italian basketball and his journey is a phenomenal one. Coming from a small island (Sardinia) in Italy to playing in the NBA, winning the Euroleague...

  34. #70 Giedrius Žibėnas - Italija mane pakeite kaip žmogu ir treneri!

    Jeigu norite paremti mano podkastą (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Rėmėjas: www.proballers.com "Giedrius": Trenerio Žibėno kelias iki dvieju LKL čempiono titulu nera iprastas - del to šios dienos epizodas vertas demesio. Mes kalbejom apie jo kelia ir kaip jo asmenybe keitesi keliaujant…

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  35. #69 Aron Baynes - Career lessons, Injury, Negative Self-Talk & Garden(ing)

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Baynesie": Aron Baynes is a household name not only in Australia but also in the NBA as well as in Europe. Has been around the globe playing in Europe, NBA, GLeague, NBL & Australia National...

  36. #68 Kyle Hines - Process of Retirement

    #68 Kyle Hines - Process of Retirement If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Kyle": My first repeat guest, Kyle Hines, came back to my podcast after being my #2 episode to talk about his process of retirement, being in peace…

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  37. #67 Gytis Vilius (LT) - Teisėjo Profesija

    Jeigu norite paremti mano podkastą (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Rėmėjas: www.proballers.com "Gytis": Gytis yra labai žinomas krepšinio teisėjas ne tik Lietuvoje, bet ir Eurolygoje. Jis buvo išrinktas geriausiu Lietuvos teisėju 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 metais! 2021, 2022…

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  38. #66 Tim Fanning (BYU Basketball) - Coaching in New Zealand, Spain, Israel, OTE & NCAA while being a life-long learner!

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Tim": Tim has been a long-time friend of mine, we go way back to 2014 and ended up celebrating our 10year anniversary of our friendship in Colombia together, where this podcast was recorded....

  39. #65 Damjan Rudež - Psychology of Shooters, Frustrations after the NBA, Retirement & Business

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Damjan": Damjan Rudež is a highly accomplished basketball player who played at all possible levels of basketball and has now ventured into the business side of things with the "Sunset Sports...

  40. #64 Simon Cote - The Other Side Of Coaching & Career Transition

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Sye": My good friend Simon Cote is not only a long time friend but also used to be a long time colleague in the world of coaching. After serving as an Assistant at SMU & University of...

  41. #63 Sophia Young-Malcolm (Baylor WBB): Journey from Exchange-Student to NCAA Champion & WNBA Player

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com "So": Sophia started her basketball journey together with me in Shreveport, Louisiana as an exchange student before she became a superstar at Baylor University. She took the Lady Bears to a...

  42. #62 Micah Shrewsberry (Notre Dame MBB) - Coaching differences in NCAA vs NBA

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com "Micah": Micah has a wealth of experience on the NCAA level as well as the NBA level with the Boston Celtics where he spent 6 years as an Assistant Coach to Brad Stevens. Prior to that Micah...

  43. #61 Paulius Jankunas (LT) - Ką daro komandos kapitonas?

    #61 Paulius Jankunas (LT) - Ką daro komandos kapitonas? Jeigu norite paremti šį podcastą, tai galite padaryti per nuorodą žemiau. Būsiu labai dėkingas! https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Rėmėjas #1: www.Proballers.com Rėmėjas #2: www.forestdomes.lt 10% Nuolaidos kodas: BENAS10 "Jankis": Šiandienos...

  44. #60 Martin Kuchalik - Corporate Communication vs Sports Communication

    Martin Kuchalik - Business Communication vs Sports Communication (EP59) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com "Martin": Not many people in the sports business know who Martin Kuchalik is but the people who work with him truly...

  45. #59 Anthony Goods - Balancing Scouting&Social life, Creating "Swishcultures" & Crazy Experiences in Venezuela

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com "AntGoods": Anthony is a former professional basketball player who played in a lot of different places around the world. He played four years at Stanford before transitioning to the DLeague…

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  46. Coffee Savant #3 Eskedar - Ethiopian Coffee Culture, How to create a community & Raising Awareness of Exploitation in Ethiopia's Coffee Plantations

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke "Eskedar": Eskedar is a good friend of mine and has been living in Vilnius first as a refugee before finally becoming a Lithuanian citizen. Today she shared her crazy and unique story of how she escaped an oppressive...

  47. #58 Francesco Cuzzolin talks about NBA & European Basketball, Coaching Health, Data Analysis & Learning

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com "Cuzzo": Francesco Cuzzolin is currently the Head of Performance at EA7 Armani Milano and has a wealth of experience in the field of Strength & Conditioning. He became the first Strength &...

  48. #57 Sergio Scariolo on Inventing the Spanish Pick & Roll, Communication, "Michelangelo Effect" & More

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com "Sergio": Sergio Scariolo doesn't need a long introduction, his successes speak for itself especially with Spain's National Team and the countless titles internationally that they have won. 5...

  49. #56 Boris Diaw on playing in 11th division with friends, Traded while on a Safari, Wine, Photography, Traveling around the world & more

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com "Boris": Boris Diaw is a well known name in the basketball community, not much introduction needed at this point, even after his retirement. He's a winner and a patriot in the most truest...

  50. #55 Tadas Bulotas on the business of a basketball agent & how to sign young prospects

    If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com Website: www.bmatke.com "Tadas": Tadas Bulotas took on the profession of a basketball agent after his father but started his own company together with Arturas Javtokas in 2008 while he was...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

My name is Benas and I'm passionate about traveling, sports and coffee. In this podcast I will aim to combine all three of them by 'zooming' around the world and talking to sports professionals and coffee savants around the world while having nuanced conversations about different topics within their profession. If you're interested in hearing the stories and lifestyles of high achievers, the biggest lessons throughout their life, their mindsets within their respective sports then please subscribe to this podcast, buckle up, get your cup of coffee and 'come fly with me'. Thank you :)

HOSTED BY

Benas Matkevicius

CATEGORIES

sports basketball

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Benas Podcast have?

The Benas Podcast currently has 108 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Benas Podcast about?

My name is Benas and I'm passionate about traveling, sports and coffee. In this podcast I will aim to combine all three of them by 'zooming' around the world and talking to sports professionals and coffee savants around the world while having nuanced conversations about different topics within...

How often does The Benas Podcast release new episodes?

The Benas Podcast publishes regularly with 108 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to The Benas Podcast?

You can listen to The Benas Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Benas Podcast?

The Benas Podcast is created and hosted by Benas Matkevicius.
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