The Sport Fuels Life Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Sport Fuels Life is a new community-minded sports podcast that exists to inspire, motivate and educate our community of over 20,000 coaches and players to make the world a better place through athletics.
Mental performance coach Kris Goodman (Tampa Bay Rays) shares the simple tools that help athletes build confidence, resilience, and perform under pressure. Learn how self-talk, breathing, neutral thinking, and the "Resilient C's" framework can transform your mindset on and off the field. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you stay focused, overcome setbacks, and perform at your best.
Is confidence something you're born with—or something you build?
In this episode of the Sport Fuels Life Podcast, nationally recognized sport and performance psychologist Dr. Cindra Kamphoff explains why confidence isn't a personality trait—it's a habit that can be developed. Drawing from decades of experience working with Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, business leaders, and championship teams, she shares practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, responding to mistakes, managing pressure, and performing at your best when it matters most.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Kamphoff introduces simple but powerful tools—including Learn. Burn. Return. and POP the Pressure—while explaining why confidence grows through action, preparation, and the people who believe in us. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can begin applying immediately to build confidence and perform with greater consistency.
Practical Lessons from Former Arizona Diamondbacks Head of Mental Performance Zach Brandon on Confidence, Focus, and ResilienceIn this episode of the Sport Fuels Life Mental Performance Series, we sit down with former Arizona Diamondbacks Head of Mental Performance Zach Brandon to explore the mental skills that help athletes perform at their best when the pressure is highest.
Throughout the conversation, Zach shares practical strategies for building lasting confidence, overcoming overthinking, staying present, and responding to adversity. Rather than chasing perfect thoughts or emotions, he explains why great performers focus on what they can control—their attention, actions, and response to each moment.
From learning how to recover quickly after mistakes to using visualization more effectively and finding a clear target during competition, Zach provides actionable insights that athletes and coaches can begin applying immediately.
Whether you're a coach, athlete, or parent, this conversation offers valuable reminders that mental performance is not about eliminating fear or doubt—it's about learning to perform alongside them and focusing on the next thing.
Lessons From Elizabeth Zanolli on Injury, Rehabilitation, and Athlete Well-Being as the subtitle/opening line in the description.
In this episode of the Sport Fuels Life Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Zanolli, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine at Stony Brook University, to discuss an important topic that every athlete, coach, and parent will encounter at some point: injury.
While most conversations around injury focus on the physical side of recovery, Elizabeth shares why the mental and emotional aspects are just as important. From confidence and motivation to identity and connection with teammates, injuries can impact athletes in ways that often go unseen.
Throughout the conversation, we explore how athletes can navigate setbacks, stay engaged during rehabilitation, set meaningful goals, and develop the mindset needed to move forward. We also discuss the evolving role of mental health in sports medicine and why supporting the whole athlete has become an essential part of the recovery process.
Whether you're an athlete working through an injury, a coach supporting an injured player, or a parent helping a child navigate challenges, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways for the journey back to competition.
Topics include:
• The mental and emotional impact of injury
• Goal setting during rehabilitation
• Staying connected to your team
• Communication between athletes and coaches
• Building resilience through setbacks
• The growing connection between sports medicine and mental health
Dr. Larry Lauer, Director of Mental Performance for the USTA, joins Sport Fuels Life to discuss one of the most important areas of athlete development: the mental side of performance.
In this conversation, Larry shares insights on resilience, emotional control, self-awareness, confidence, and competing under pressure. He explains why mental toughness is not about eliminating emotions, but learning how to respond effectively when challenges, mistakes, frustration, and adversity arise.
Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or leader, this episode offers practical strategies for developing mental skills, building stronger environments, and helping athletes perform at their best both on and off the field.
Topics include mental performance, resilience, emotional control, confidence, athlete development, coaching, and performing under pressure.
Michael Urban, Director of Mental Performance for the Los Angeles Clippers, joins the Sport Fuels Life Mental Performance Series to discuss leadership, communication, emotional consistency, and creating environments where athletes can grow and perform at their best.
Throughout the conversation, Urban shares lessons from his journey through collegiate and professional sports, including stops at IMG Academy, University of California, Berkeley, and Clemson University.
The conversation explores why great coaches ask better questions, why mental performance should be proactive rather than reactive, and how communication, curiosity, and relationships often shape performance more than instruction alone.
Urban also discusses emotional consistency, helping athletes feel heard, and how values can guide decision-making during pressure-filled moments.
This episode offers practical insights for coaches, athletes, parents, and leaders looking to build stronger competitors and healthier team environments.
In this episode, mental game coach Tami Matheny joins Sport Fuels Life to discuss the mental side of performance and what separates athletes when pressure is at its highest.
Drawing from her experiences as a college tennis coach and mental performance coach working across sports, Tami shares practical insights on confidence, communication, focus, resilience, and leadership. The conversation explores how athletes can train their thoughts like they train their bodies, why communication matters so much in coaching, and how small daily habits can shape performance over time.
From helping athletes manage pressure and self-talk to supporting players through confidence struggles and team dynamics, this episode is filled with actionable takeaways for coaches, athletes, and parents alike.
Topics include:
- Confidence and self-talk
- Performing under pressure
- Mental habits and routines
- Communication and leadership
- Coaching the whole athlete
- Building stronger competitors
This episode is part of the new Sport Fuels Life Mental Performance Series featuring world-class coaches, mental performance coordinators, and sport psychology professionals.
Grit Overcomes Circumstances: Paralympian Lindi Marcusen on Resilience, Perspective & Elite Performance
Lindi Marcusen’s story is one of grit, perspective, and the power of refusing to let circumstances define you.
A former gymnast turned Track & Field Paralympian, Lindi shares how a life-altering accident led to an unexpected new path in sport—and how rebuilding physically, mentally, and emotionally shaped the competitor and person she is today.
In this conversation, Lindi talks about adapting under pressure, competing through challenges, trusting the work you put in, and finding strength in gratitude. She also shares powerful insight on resilience, identity, and why movement remains such an important part of her life.
This episode is a reminder that toughness isn’t always loud, and true performance often begins beneath the surface.
Topics include:
• Overcoming adversity and rebuilding after trauma
• The mindset required to compete at an elite level
• Confidence through preparation and consistency
• Gratitude, perspective, and resilience
• Using sport and your voice to create impact
Building Championship Culture — Lessons from Chris Young
Chris Young built his program the right way.
As the former head women's tennis coach at Oklahoma State, he led his team to a National Indoor Championship and a #1 ranking in the country—but what stands out most is how those results were built.
Through culture.
Through accountability.
Through a clear standard of excellence.
In this conversation, Chris shares what it really takes to build a successful program—from the daily habits that shape a team to the environment that allows players to grow and take ownership.
He talks about what coaches emphasize, what they allow, and how consistency over time creates something bigger than wins.
This episode is a great reminder that coaching is about more than performance.
It’s about developing people—and doing things the right way.
Ryan Shazier: From the Steelers to Overcoming Adversity
Ohio State Football • Pittsburgh Steelers • NFL Linebacker • Spinal Cord Injury Survivor • Founder, Ryan Shazier Fund
Ryan Shazier’s story isn’t just about adversity — it’s about how you respond to it.
From Ohio State to the Pittsburgh Steelers to a life-changing spinal cord injury, Ryan has experienced both the highest highs and the toughest moments the game can bring. What stands out most is how he’s chosen to respond — with ownership, perspective, and resilience.
He shares a simple but powerful framework:
E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome)
You can’t control every event — but you always control your response. And that response shapes everything.
This episode goes beyond football. It’s about building competitors who can handle adversity, take ownership, and move forward stronger — on and off the field.
Key Takeaways* Your response shapes your outcome * Lean into adversity — don’t avoid it * Control what you can, every day * Limit the baggage you carry * Fall in love with the process
Play It ForwardThrough the Ryan Shazier Fund, Ryan is helping individuals and families navigate life after spinal cord injuries — providing resources, support, and hope.
Learn more:
www.ryanshazierfund.org
Instagram: @ryanshazierfund | @shazier
Tom Rees, Head Men’s & Women’s Tennis Coach at Georgia Gwinnett College and NAIA National Champion, joins us to share what coaching both sides has taught him about communication, culture, and building trust.
This conversation goes beyond gender — it’s about understanding the athlete in front of you and adapting how you lead.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why buy-in starts with explaining the why
- What culture really looks like when the coach isn’t there
- How positive reinforcement builds confident, high-performing teams
- Why giving athletes a voice changes ownership and effort
- How confidence is built through action, not just mindset
A practical, real-world look at how great coaches connect — and get the best out of their players.
“Culture is what happens when the coach isn’t there.”
Brian Garber, ATP Tour coach and current coach to Ethan Quinn (World No. 56), joins us for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to develop competitors — not just players.
From becoming a Division II head coach at just 23 to working across the WTA and now the ATP Tour, Brian shares a coaching philosophy built on simplicity, ownership, and trust.
In this episode, we dive into why less instruction often leads to better performance, how to help athletes become decision-makers, and why the best coaches know when to step back and let players figure it out.
You’ll also hear practical takeaways on:
- Simplifying the game for better execution
- Helping athletes diagnose their own mistakes
- Designing practices that actually transfer to competition
- Building players who can think, adjust, and compete on their own
“The more you say, the less they hear. The less you say, the more they start to figure it out.”
Jennifer Ketterly, Associate Director of Sports Performance at the Duke Sports Sciences Institute and performance nutrition consultant for the Charlotte Hornets, joins us for a practical, science-backed conversation on the three pillars of performance nutrition: fueling, hydration, and recovery.
With more than 25 years of experience across collegiate and professional sport, Jennifer explains why carbohydrates are the non-negotiable fuel for high-intensity sport, how to individualize hydration using sweat rate, and why the 4Rs of recovery—Rehydrate, Refuel, Repair, and Rest—are critical for sustained performance. She also addresses under-fueling in female athletes, warning signs of RED-S, and simple strategies coaches and athletes can apply immediately.
🎧 Listen to learn how intentional nutrition decisions directly impact performance when it matters most.
Dr. Jack Groppel joins us for a compelling conversation on performance, recovery, and what makes coaching a truly noble profession.
One of the world’s leading sports psychologists and human performance experts, Jack shares his journey from self-taught athlete to pioneering leader in performance science—and the moment when just 17 words from a mentor changed the trajectory of his life.
In this candid discussion, Jack explains why elite coaching goes far beyond technical instruction. He breaks down the critical relationship between stress and recovery, explores the psychology of competitive excellence, and shares insights gained from decades of working with world-class athletes.
This episode dives into mental resilience, performance under pressure, and what truly separates good coaches from great ones. Jack also shares lessons from his upcoming memoir, Mountains Within, offering perspective from both his professional success and personal journey.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about performance—and remind you why coaching matters.
The Miracle League: When the Game Includes Everyone, Miracles Happen
The Miracle League is more than baseball — it’s a movement rewriting what’s possible.
What started with one field in Georgia has grown into 345+ communities worldwide, giving every child, regardless of ability, the chance to play. Through a powerful buddy system, players with disabilities are paired with peers, breaking barriers and building lifelong friendships.
“We’re not segregating that population like they’ve been their entire life… that bond is being built off the baseball field.”
In this episode, you’ll hear inspiring stories — like Lauren’s, who was born blind with brittle bone disease and found freedom through baseball:
“If I could play the game of baseball… I could do anything in this world.”
Tune in to learn how the Miracle League is transforming communities, one swing at a time — and why two new leagues are launching every month to keep the momentum going.
"I'll Find a Way or Make One": Dana Mathewson's Story of Grit and Greatness
Champion wheelchair tennis player Dana Mathewson shares her remarkable journey from diagnosis with transverse myelitis at age 10 to becoming America's most accomplished wheelchair tennis player. With candid humor, Dana discusses her initial reluctance toward adaptive sports and how her mother's persistence led her to the court. Her impressive career includes reaching World No. 7 in singles, World No. 4 in doubles, and becoming the first American wheelchair tennis player to win a Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
Dana reveals the competitive spirit and "bulldog mentality" that fueled her success, along with cherished memories from the Paralympic Games. Now navigating retirement—a transition she describes as an athlete's "first death"—Dana is embracing new roles in coaching and philanthropy while discovering her identity beyond competition.
Her guiding philosophy, "I'll find a way or make one," has applications far beyond tennis, offering listeners powerful insights on resilience, problem-solving, and finding your path when life presents unexpected challenges.
Fear Is a Passenger, Not the Driver: Jenn Drummond’s World Record Climb
In 2018, Jen Drummond survived a car crash that should have ended her life. Instead, it sparked a world-record journey that would redefine what’s possible—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In this episode, Jen shares how that near-death experience became her “line in the sand” moment, propelling her from business owner and mom of seven to the first woman to climb the Seven Second Summits—the second-highest (and often most technical) peaks on every continent. And she didn’t stop at seven—she climbed nine mountains to account for global boundary disputes.
From transforming her home into a training facility to preparing for death on a freezing Canadian glacier, Jen’s story is one of resilience, mindset, and purpose. She opens up about training during Zoom calls, balancing family with ambition, and learning that progress isn’t linear—it’s acclimatized.
“You don’t get rid of fear,” she says. “But you don’t have to let it drive the car.”
If you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone chasing a big goal, this conversation is packed with inspiration, mindset shifts, and hard-earned wisdom.
Listen now to discover how fear became a passenger—and purpose took the wheel.
The Champion's Mindset: USTA's Dr. Larry Lauer on Mental Performance
The difference between good and great in tennis often comes down to mental skills. Dr. Larry Lauer, Director of Mental Performance for the USTA, has revolutionized how players approach the psychological side of the sport.
"How you do what you do is way more important than the outcome," Lauer emphasizes. "You can't really get the outcome without the process."
As the USTA's first full-time mental skills specialist since 2013, Lauer has witnessed the stigma around mental training diminish significantly. Today's players increasingly recognize mental skills as essential components of athletic development.
His approach centers on collaboration between mental coaches and tennis coaches, creating consistent messaging for players. Effective coaching balances challenge with support: "When you get after a kid... you don't make it personal. You make it about the behavior, never about them as a person."
Lauer champions integrating character development into daily training. Mental skills like resilience, focus, and discipline aren't just performance enhancers but valuable life tools. "If you're resilient and tough-minded, super professional... these character things... need to be part of your training every day."
Tune in to hear Dr. Lauer break down what it really takes to develop mentally tough, high-performing athletes — and how coaches can lead the way.
Unstoppable: Shelby Baron's Journey to Paralympic Tennis
From struggling to keep up in PE class to becoming a two-time Paralympian, Shelby Baron’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, discovery, and the transformative power of adaptive sports. Born with spina bifida in Hawaii, Shelby found new possibilities through wheelchair tennis—ultimately representing Team USA in Rio and Tokyo.
In this episode, Shelby shares how her introduction to adaptive sports opened doors she never imagined, how a last-minute phone call changed her life, and why the Tokyo Paralympics challenged her in unexpected ways. Now working with USTA player development, she’s paying it forward to support the next generation of athletes.
Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode offers powerful insights on inclusion, independence, and the joy of sport.
Key Themes:
- Adaptive sports as a life-changing force
- Inclusion in athletics
- Mental resilience & rediscovering joy
- The power of community in Paralympic sport
- Shelby’s ongoing impact through player development
“When I was younger, I didn’t even know what adapted sports were... I definitely did not know that this was the path for me.”
ATP Coach Craig Boynton on Building Champions
Great coaching isn’t just about drills and strategy—it’s about connection, trust, and mindset. ATP coach Craig Boynton, who has worked with world-class players like Jim Courier, John Isner, and Hubert Hurkacz, knows that success starts with putting the player first:
"It’s not about the coach—it’s about the athlete."
He helps players balance physical skills ("hardware") with mental strength ("software"), using data-driven insights to refine performance:
"Feelings can lie, but the numbers don’t."
But success isn’t just about grinding—it’s about staying fueled by joy. Whether it’s a high-five at practice or drawing energy from the crowd, happiness fuels performance:
"Pick out someone cheering for you. That energy might be the difference between winning and losing."
✔ Build trust—strong relationships lead to better coaching.
✔ Use data to improve—let numbers guide decisions.
✔ Joy fuels success—happy athletes play better.
Tune in to hear Boynton’s insights on coaching, performance, and the mindset behind building champions.
Game-Changing Coaching: Bill Riddle Previews the National HS Tennis Coaches Conference
We’re thrilled to have Bill Riddle join us today on the podcast! Bill is not only one of the most well-respected coaches in the country but also played a key role in helping us put together the National High School Tennis Coaches Conference. His passion for growing the game and his wealth of experience have been instrumental in shaping this unique event, and we’re incredibly grateful for his involvement.
Bill is currently the Head Tennis Coach at the University of Tennessee Southern and holds esteemed credentials, including being a PTR International Master Professional and an RSPA Master Professional. With over 30 years of experience in the tennis industry, Bill has made a profound impact on the sport, helping to shape the careers of countless coaches and players. We’re so excited to have him as the host and emcee for this event, and we can’t wait for you to hear his insights on what’s in store.
The National High School Tennis Coaches Conference, presented by Sport Fuels Life, will be held January 7th–9th, from 5 PM to 8 PM EST. It’s a one-of-a-kind virtual event designed to help you elevate your coaching game, connect with other high school coaches, and gain practical tools to lead your team to success. This conference will feature world-class coaches and speakers, offering invaluable insights and inspiration to take your coaching—and your team—to the next level.
For the first time ever, this conference brings together top experts to share cutting-edge strategies, best practices, and actionable insights. Plus, all sessions will be available on-demand for an entire year, so you can watch and learn at your own pace.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a coach and shape the future of tennis at the National High School Tennis Coaches Conference. Listen in as Bill shares more about this exciting event and what you can expect!
CJ Beatty’s journey is the ultimate playbook for resilience, grit, and redefining success. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC, CJ discovered his love for baseball at just five years old. Fueled by passion and relentless determination, he worked tirelessly to elevate his game. A pivotal turning point came when a coach recognized his potential, challenging him to dream bigger and push further. This mentorship not only transformed CJ’s approach to the game but also set him on a path to greatness, playing baseball at NC A&T and eventually being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, CJ’s story didn’t follow the script he envisioned. When faced with setbacks, he chose to adapt, pivot, and persevere—turning challenges into opportunities and failure into fuel for growth. Known globally as “The Baseball & Softball Motivator,” CJ Beatty has spent years inspiring others through his electrifying YouTube content, professional coaching, and motivational speaking, reaching millions around the world.
In this episode, CJ opens up about his journey—from chasing baseball dreams to becoming a beacon of hope and a global force for positive change. His insights on mental toughness, resilience, and embracing setbacks as stepping stones will inspire anyone striving for their own version of success.
Today, CJ Beatty channels his experiences into being one of the world’s top rising motivational speakers. With an electric personality and a gift for connecting with audiences, he equips others with the tools to build mental toughness and create championship mindsets—whether in sports, schools, organizations, or life.
Tune in to hear CJ’s incredible story and discover why his message continues to resonate on and off the field. Get ready to "stay in the fight" and reimagine what's possible.
Ted Rath: The Blueprint for Peak NFL Performance (Former Eagles VP of Performance)
Gain exclusive insight from Ted Rath, former Vice President of Player Performance for the Philadelphia Eagles, as he shares his extensive 16-year NFL journey. From securing two NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year awards to playing an integral role in the Rams' healthiest season and back-to-back Super Bowl runs with both the Rams and Eagles, Rath’s expertise exemplifies innovation and excellence.
Discover how his commitment to outcome-based goals, a process-focused mindset, and holistic training strategies translate into impactful leadership on and off the field.
Rath's story isn’t just about team wins but fostering the support systems and performance strategies that keep athletes at their best. As the first President of the Professional Football Performance Coaches Association (PFPCA), he represents an elite group dedicated to advancing the profession. Ted’s passion extends beyond football; he’s a published author and speaker with a deep focus on personal development and the power of connections.
Don’t miss this episode filled with valuable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and anyone inspired by the pursuit of elite outcomes.
Parker Byrd Doesn’t Let a Prosthetic Leg Stop Him from Playing College Baseball and More
In sports, injuries are an unfortunate reality. While we often brace for accidents on the field, the most unpredictable ones can happen far away from the game.
Parker Byrd's life took an unimaginable turn before his freshman season at East Carolina University when he was involved in a life-threatening boating accident. At just 18 years old, Parker lost his leg—just as he was about to live out his dream of playing Division I baseball.
But Parker’s story didn’t end there. His unbreakable faith, the support of family and friends, and an ironclad determination helped him through an excruciating recovery process. Despite the physical and emotional challenges that lay ahead, Parker refused to give up. In 2024, through grit and perseverance, he made history by becoming the first athlete to play in a Division I baseball game with a prosthetic leg, shattering expectations and inspiring others along the way.
Beyond the field, Parker’s journey has taken on a new meaning. His story isn’t just about overcoming physical challenges—it's about finding purpose, resilience, and using his platform to inspire those who may be struggling with their own setbacks.
Parker Byrd is living proof that no obstacle, no matter how insurmountable, can stop a dreamer with passion and faith. Listen in as we dive into his incredible journey and the lessons he's learned about courage, determination, and never giving up.
From Army Veteran to Pickleball Pro: Jonny “Pickleball” Andrews’ Inspiring Journey
Today’s episode is all about pickleball—the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.—as we sit down with Jonny Andrews, also known as Jonny Pickleball. From serving his country as a U.S. Army veteran to carving out a niche as a professional pickleball player, Jonny found a new sense of joy, purpose, and community in a sport that has quickly become a nationwide phenomenon.
As a key figure in the pickleball world, Jonny wears many hats. Not only is he a pro athlete, but he’s also a commentator, coach, and director of camps with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). His passion for the sport extends beyond just playing—he’s deeply involved in helping the sport grow and evolve. Jonny shares his unique story of getting involved with pickleball at its early stages, long before it became the sensation it is today.
Through his journey, Jonny highlights the mental and physical benefits of the game and how it's created a tight-knit community where anyone, from veterans to complete beginners, can thrive. His story is one of resilience, inspiration, and the power of finding a new path after service.
Tune in to our podcast to hear how Jonny’s passion for pickleball has shaped his life and the lives of countless others!
ATP Tennis Coach Chris Eaton Shares How He Transforms Teams Into Champions
Some say that coaching is both an art and a science. In today’s Sport Fuels Life podcast, we hear from Chris Eaton, a British professional tennis player who continued his tennis journey as a coach in the U.S. at both the NCAA and professional levels. He shares how he has been able to successfully influence team dynamics, leading to high-level victories on the court.
Chris Eaton grew up outside London, England, and played tennis for seven years. A few highlights among his many athletic achievements include qualifying and winning a round of singles at Wimbledon in 2008 and making the third round of doubles in 2010. He also played for Great Britain in the Davis Cup in 2009.
From 2015 to 2016, he coached Australia’s John Peers and Henri Kontinen from Finland and then coached Wake Forest University Men’s tennis from 2016-2023. Highlights at Wake Forest included winning a team and individual title with Wake in 2018 along with several ACC titles. He currently coaches Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury, who have won the US Open doubles over the past three years, World Tour Finals over the past two years, and won the Australian Open.
Coaching athletes to win on the world stage takes a special ability and comes with unique challenges. Lean how he has been able to turn those challenges into competitive advantages.
Listen in to hear his approach to coaching a team to win championships.
Jean Francois Menard: Mastering High Performance from the Circus to the Olympics
In this Sport Fuels Life podcast episode, we have a very special guest who shares the valuable lessons he learned from working with Cirque Du Soleil. This extraordinarily demanding contemporary circus provided a master class on high performance.
Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Jean Francois Menard is highly regarded in the field of performance psychology. At the age of 25 and fresh out of graduate school, he joined the world-famous entertainment company Cirque Du Soleil, where he coached circus artists to handle immense physical pressures and perform their best (up to 450 times a year). Five years later, he founded Kambio Performance and has since become a sought-after mental performance specialist.
During the past four Olympic Games, the athletes he coached won 17 medals for Canada. His private clients are proven winners: Olympic gold medalists, X-Games and Super Bowl Champions, surgeons, musicians and corporate leaders.
Jean Francois Menard is a professional speaker for organizations such as the FBI, PepsiCo, RedBull, Cisco, RBC and NASA and is also a bestselling author of two books: "Train Your Brain Like an Olympian" and "Team Chemistry".
His insights on achieving high performance are helpful to athletes, coaches, and more!
Boosting Confidence and Positive Self-Talk with Tami Matheny
If you’re looking for a little extra motivation or confidence, then you’ve come to the right place! Confidence and overcoming adversity are today’s two main topics.
In this Sport Fuels Life podcast episode, we bring back returning guest, Tami Matheny. She is a mental game coach, author, and Jon Gordon-certified trainer. She has a background as an athlete playing basketball and tennis at Lenoir-Rhyne College, as well as coaching men’s and women’s tennis at the University of South Carolina Upstate. She shares her knowledge to help people in all walks of life (not just athletes) with confidence, motivation, focus, mental toughness, leadership, and teamwork.
Tami emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process, not the outcome. She shares ways that you can regain confidence and learn to have more positive self-talk. She also has a new book to check out called Challenge Deeper!
Listen to our podcast to learn more!
Legendary Insights: Christopher Clarey on Federer, Nadal, and Elite Athletes
Christopher Clarey: Renowned Sports Journalist and Bestselling Author
Join us on today’s show as we sit down with Christopher Clarey, longtime New York Times sports journalist with over 30 years of experience covering global sports, including 15 Olympics, 6 World Cups, and more than 100 Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
As one of the world’s leading authorities on tennis, Clarey shares fascinating insights into the routines and mindsets of elite athletes like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, subjects of his bestselling book "THE MASTER" and the upcoming "THE WARRIOR." Discover the habits that set these athletes apart and how we can apply their lessons to our own lives.
Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes stories of these legendary figures, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to excel at the highest levels of sport.
Connect with Christopher Clarey:
- Instagram: @christophclarey
- X (formerly Twitter): @christophclarey
- Substack: Tennis & Beyond | christopherclarey.substack.com
Allistair McCaw: Allistair McCaw Explains how Mindset is Your Superpower
In this Sport Fuels Life podcast episode, we bring back a returning guest, Allistair McCaw! He is a bestselling author and speaker who is an expert on leadership, team culture, and performance.
Born in Ireland and raised in South Africa, he is the youngest of four boys and has a background playing tennis. When he first found a natural desire to be a champion (at a young age), he started by making a vision board to guide him down the right path.
He later found success on the world stage in the Duathlon as a five-time World Championship competitor. His experience as an athlete became as much about the journey as the destination.
His powerful mindset has resulted in his becoming a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant for numerous organizations, corporations, Olympians, Grand Slam champions, NCAA colleges and professional sports teams. He has recently published a new book called Mindset is Your Superpower.
Listen to our podcast to learn more!
Connect with Allistair McCaw
Instagram: @Bechampionminded
Twitter: @AllistairMcCaw
Facebook: @AllistairMcCawpage
"At the end of the day, it doesn’t come down to who has the most talent or intelligence. It comes down to who is willing to make the choices that others are not willing to make. Like who is willing to shoot baskets in the dark when everyone else is sleeping? Who is willing to prepare more for an interview? Who is willing to work on their craft when no one is watching? That’s what separates the good from the great." Allistair McCaw
James "The Iron Cowboy" Lawrence: Triathlon Record Holder Explains How Failure is “An Opportunity to Succeed”
Join us as we talk with James Lawrence, a.k.a. the “Iron Cowboy”, a Canadian native (now living in Utah) who is most famous for his triathlon records. In 2015, he set the world record for the most Ironman distance triathlons completed in one year in 50 states over 50 days. Then, in 2021, he followed up his own record with “Conquer 100;” he completed 100 consecutive Ironman length triathlons with his family being a key part of his journey and travel party.
We also like the fact that he had the “courage to suck” without caring what other people thought. It seems his wife signed him up for a four-mile fun run on Thanksgiving one year. He didn’t want to do it at first, but he did it anyway because he couldn’t bear the thought of wasting money on the registration. He stuck with it and accomplished some incredible undertakings in the sport! He hated running and still does.
Now he has a book, The Iron Cowboy, and his own company, with his daughter as the CEO. In his story, he embraces the perspective that failure is not possible, only an opportunity to succeed.
Listen to our podcast to hear the full story!
Tune into the podcast to dive into the extraordinary life of Zion Clark. From being born without legs to becoming a successful wrestler and motivational speaker & taking on the America’s Got Talent stage. His journey of constantly overcoming adversity while remaining confident and graceful throughout the process will leave you in awe. Zion shares his journey and offers advice for anyone trying to overcome obstacles on their road to reaching their dreams.
Join our SFL hosts for a truly essential episode in which they dive into the importance of maintaining a strong mentality in the face of adversity. As an athlete, there are inevitable obstacles that you will face, whether it’s a scrape to the knee or a serious injury. Scott & Megan inspire you to keep a positive attitude along the journey and allow yourself to still feel involved in your team even when you’re off the field due to injury. Tune in to get more tips from our amazing hosts and really understand how team mentality transcends sports.
Join us for an inspiring episode as we welcome Chris Norton, a beacon of resilience and determination. After suffering a life-altering spinal cord injury on the football field, Chris was given only a 3% chance to ever move again. That prognosis did not account for his relentless hard work, unwavering spirit, and positive attitude. Tune in to learn more about how his remarkable journey and experiences continue to touch lives of people all over the world.
Sport Fuels Life sparks inspiration and builds community through the shared journey of athletic triumphs and personal growth. This year our Sport Fuels Life podcast will celebrate its third year of content. The start of a new year is the perfect time to reintroduce our hosts and share the why behind this movement for new listeners or even veterans who might need a reminder on the power of sports.
Today we talk to Nathalie Elliott about her transition from student-athlete to the working world as High Point University’s athletic trainer for cross country and track and field. During her Division I athletic career of five years, Nathalie earned honors of a 3x Big South Conference Champion and 4x NCAA Regional qualifier in the women’s pole vault while completing her Master’s degree in Athletic Training. As a recent graduate, Nathalie shares a unique perspective on how she has turned the chapter from pole vaulter to athletic trainer, still keeping sports close to her heart.
She demonstrates these concepts in actionable ways in her new book, Superpower: An Inspiring Story to Overcome Self-Doubt and Unleash Your Authentic Greatness, a fable for any age.
Zach Brandon, mental skills coordinator for the Arizona Diamondbacks, understands how perfecting one’s game and realizing peak performance in athletics requires both physical ability and mental strength. This mental performance expert shares how working through challenges to find the fun is all part of the growth process for professional baseball and for life.
Siri Lindley, world champion triathlete, coach to the elites, television sports analyst, popular speaker and author shares remarkable insights about her career path and her passions. She highlights overcoming anxiety in many areas including entering a triathlon despite not knowing how to swim, coming out to her father, and finding her true passion in coaching.
How Failing and Learning from Failure are Important Steps to Winning
Scott Doerner discusses his varied championship tennis career and how a winning team culture helped fuel a national championship. Those principles still apply!
Overcoming Adversity, Enjoying the Process & Developing Perseverance with 2-Time Olympian, Khadevis Robinson
Join us at Sport Fuels Life as we hear from Kate Leavell about her transformation from lacrosse player to coach and now bestselling culture/performance building author, expert, and public speaker.
Join us at Sport Fuels Life as we sit down with legendary gymnast and cancer survivor Shannon Miller. This conversation is one you do not want to miss. Shannon explains the mindset of an Olympian athlete, cancer survivor, and successful businesswoman.
Join us at Sport Fuels Life as we talk with Allistair McCaw, motivational speaker, bestselling author, athlete, coach, and consultant, who daily lives the principles of his latest bestselling book, Champion Minded. He uses the acronym (HIP) as a reminder to demonstrate a helpful, inspiring, and positive attitude. His tools are extraordinarily helpful in athletics and all aspects of life.
Don't miss out as Sport Fuels Life gets up close and personal with Rulon Gardner, Olympic Gold Medalist wrestler. Gardner, a native of Afton, Wyoming is the last of nine children. He credits his strength from working on the family dairy farm.
A Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, Damon West had it all. But at just 20 years old, he suffered an injury that tragically ended his ability to play football. He started using drugs, became a functioning addict, and held high profile jobs…until he turned to crime. One life ended and another began on July 30, 2008, when he was surrounded by a SWAT team and their guns. A 65-year prison sentence followed.
A promise to his mother and a conversation with a special person changed his perspective and gave him strength to make parole; he eventually end up being released. The conversation involves a carrot, an egg, and a coffee bean. Now, Damon shares his story with others and emphasizes that the most dangerous prison can be your mind.
To learn more about Damon’s life changing conversations, listen to the full podcast at SportFuelsLife.com.
Join us at Sport Fuels Life as we talk with Tyree Washington about his amazing life thus far… as an asthmatic child to a 400-metre World Champion in Track and Field to Motivational Speaker and Trainer.
Join us at Sport Fuels Life as we learn more about the amazing life of Karin Korb. Listen as she describes her journey from gymnast and aerobics instructor to a world class Paralympian and 10-time member of the USA World Team. In addition, learn from her life-changing insights and her advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
From Being a Tagalong Little Sister to Signing a $1M Softball Contract, Monica Abbott’s Story Is Filled with Pitching Skill and Superb Positivity
Join us at Sport Fuels Life as we talk with Jesse Iwuji about his journey going from a D1 football player to Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy and his newest title of professional NASCAR racer. Jesse’s story is one of vision and determination.
Jesse is among the top up-and-coming NASCAR drivers and one of only two African Americans on theprofessional stock car racing circuit. He attributes the discipline he learned in the United States Navy, as well as playing football for the Naval Academy, to his success. Jesse has tremendous passion for serving his country and is currently still active in the Navy Reserves.
Gustavo Osorio is a strength and conditioning coach for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, currently serving at the Elite Athlete Training Center, in Chula Vista, California.
There, he oversees the training of all the center's 32 Paralympic athletes and also works with its Olympic athletes.
This summer, he will head to Tokyo with his athletes who will compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We got to pick Gustavo’s brain on everything from his personal athletic journey to training elite Paralympic athletes with their eyes set on gold at this year’s Games.
Diego Moyano is an accomplished former professional tennis player from Argentina. As a USTA coach, he has trained ATP players Tommy Paul and Reilly Opelka, and coached Denis Kudla and Andrea Collarini. Currently, he's coaching world ranked number 82, South African player Kevin Anderson. We caught up with Diego in the middle of the Vienna Open in October of 2020, while Kevin was on his way to the semi-finals.
Diego joins us in today’s episode to discuss his incredible journey from leaving home at a very early age to set out on his quest for tennis greatness, having nothing and working his way to the top.
You can connect with Diego via his Instagram, Twitter or Facebook page, as well as his website, diegomoyanohighperformancetennis.com
Isaac Jean-Paul is a Paralympic Track and Field Athlete with a visually impairment who set a world record in the men’s high jump at the 2017 World Para Athletics championship in London. He joins us on this episode of the Sport Fuels Life podcast and shares how he’s cleared the bar on so many of life’s challenges to defy the limitations that most people said would hold him down. Now he’s training at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego, aiming for the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Take a listen below and then come back and let us know what inspired you most about Isaac’s journey!
Dan Jansen is a four-time Olympic long track speedskater, who won an historic gold medal in the 1,000-meter during his fourth and final Olympic Games. He set a junior world record at only 16 years of age during his first international competition, and he made the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team when he was just 18. Jansen was a seven-time overall world cup champion and two-time world sprint champion, holding eight world records and over 75 world cup medals. Though Dan had realized success outside of the Olympic Games, he hadn't won an Olympic medal until the final event of his Olympic career. He beat the 36-second barrier four times leading up to the Olympic Winter Games Lillehammer 1994–something no other skater had accomplished at that time, and finally earned his first Olympic medal in the 1,000 with a world-record time, additionally winning the 1994 James E. Sullivan Award for the nation's most outstanding amateur athlete. After retiring from speedskating, he served as a CBS sports broadcaster and established the Dan Jansen Foundation to help aid in leukemia research and youth sports programs.
When former collegiate athlete and competitive skydiver, Sydney Williams, unexpectedly found herself on the receiving end of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, while grappling with unresolved trauma from a decades-old sexual assault, she set out on a mission: turn her pain into power. Two hikes across Catalina Island and 80 miles later, she founded Hiking My Feelings to help others tap into the mind-body connection and healing power of nature that helped kick her self-limiting beliefs and put her disease into remission.
Having more than 12 years of marketing experience with Fortune 500 companies and emerging brands, Sydney serves up her “truth juice” style of storytelling to break wide open tough conversations with practical, powerful content and experiences. Over the years, she’s been featured on the SXSW stage, as well as in the Huffington Post, Psychology Today and numerous other publications. Today, she is the author of Hiking My Feelings: Stepping Into the Healing Power of Nature and travels across the country empowering others to summit their personal mountains on their way to becoming Well Beings.
The Sport Fuels Life podcast is excited to bring you the Mizuno Volleyball series! Mizuno has been an elite performance brand for decades helping volleyball athletes attain peak performance on and off the court.
This episode, we’re speaking with Mizuno athlete Tri Bourne; professional beach volleyball player, former professional indoor player and NCAA Division 1 Men's Volleyball player for the USC Trojans. He’s a native Hawaiian, born and raised on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, and spent lots of time on the beach, where he discovered volleyball.
We cover a lot of topics with Tri, including coaching, goal setting and how learning to control your mental state can help you stay in the game.
Listen to find out why Tri says there’s no such thing as a perfect coach, why setting personal goals and aligning those goals with your team matters, and how his mental state plays such a massive role in his physical performance.
Two-time Olympic medalist and professional beach volleyball player April Ross knows the value of having great coaches that push their athletes toward their greatest potential, because she has lived it. She joins us in our first episode of the Mizuno Volleyball Series on the Sport Fuels Life podcast, and shares her secret to building a home court advantage wherever she competes.
This episode is sponsored by Mizuno. Visit MizunoUSA.com for more information.
Today’s guest is the all-time winningest coach in the history of East Carolina University women’s basketball: the great Heather Macy.
Heather covers a multitude of topics from failure, pressure to succeed and the top three traits that create strong coaches.
Listen to this episode and connect with Heather here
Check out this conversation with Pete Ripmaster to learn how you can create your own life of adventure!
Be sure to visit www.peteripmaster.com for more!
George Plaster is a sports talk radio pioneer. He joins us on today's show to discuss his career and weighs in on the latest sports news.
We are chatting with Tim Siegel about his foundation, Team Luke/Hope For Minds as he shares his son Luke's inspirational journey with us.
Visit https://www.teamlukehopeforminds.org/ for more info
ATP tennis coach Craig Boynton joins us in this episode and shares his coaching strategy for player evaluation as well as his top 5 tips for becoming a successful coach and mentor to your players.
Click here to shop the #DeanStrong fundraiser now.
You can follow along with Dean's journey on his #DeanStrong Facebook page.
Dr. Markita Suttle shares her experiences as a black athlete from a small town high school, the transition to a more diverse community competing at the college level, the pressures of performing perfectly and how coaches and athletes can celebrate diversity and embrace our differences.
Connect with Markita via Facebook and Instagram
A brief introduction to the official Sport Fuels Life podcast and quick background of our hosts, Megan Zimlich and Ashley Reale