The Victory Degree

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, mental performance coach Steve Magness discusses the intricacies of high performance, focusing on the psychological aspects of choking and the clutch gene. He emphasizes the importance of understanding fear and its impact on performance, using LeBron James as a case study. The conversation also explores the balance between obsession and performance, particularly in the context of youth sports culture in America. He emphasizes the importance of finding balance in success and personal life, the culture of sacrifice in pursuit of success, and the need to embrace failure as a path to performance. The discussion also highlights the traits of high-performing athletes and the role of coaching in fostering a healthy competitive environment.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Steve:Twitter: x.com/stevemagnessInstagram: instagram.com/stevemagness/Website: stevemagness.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: x.com/nik_atanYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Rorke Denver shares insights on building a resilient mindset, the importance of self-talk, and the power of hope in overcoming challenges. He reflects on his experiences during SEAL training, particularly Hell Week, and discusses the unique mindset required for special operations. Rorke emphasizes the significance of trusting oneself, the camaraderie among warriors, and the lessons learned from deployments, including finding peace amidst chaos. He concludes with powerful mantras for living a fulfilling life and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Rorke:Twitter: x.com/RorkeDenverInstagram: instagram.com/rorketdenver/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rorke-denver-21964a162/Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik welcomes AJ Shavell, a coach and content creator, to discuss his journey of self-discovery, the importance of overcoming fear, and the insights he has gained through coaching and content creation. AJ shares his experiences with meditation, self-awareness, and the challenges he faced during the pandemic, which ultimately led him to help others through coaching and writing. The conversation delves into the themes of resilience, leadership, and the significance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. AJ Shavell and Nik also explore the principles of success, leadership, and personal growth through the lens of sports figures like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Nick Saban & Tom Brady. They discuss the importance of leading by example, the necessity of continuous growth, and the power of discipline in overcoming adversity. Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with AJ:Twitter: x.com/coachajkingsAJ's Newsletter: thegrowthcompass.beehiiv.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of the Victory Degree podcast, Nik Atanackovic interviews Jonathan Abrams, author of 'Boys Among Men', discussing the evolution of high school basketball players transitioning to the NBA. They explore the impact of players like Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant, the challenges faced by young athletes, and the influence of social media on modern players. The conversation delves into the significance of the 1996 NBA draft and the circumstances that shape player development and success. The consequences of draft decisions, the evolution of NBA rules regarding high school players, and the impact of Sonny Vaccaro in linking shoe deals to the league are also discussed.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Jonathan:Twitter: x.com/JpdabramsBuy "Boys Among Men": mzn.to/3Cr214DConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of The Victory Degree podcast, Drew Hanlen, a renowned basketball skills trainer, shares his journey from a passionate young basketball player to training NBA stars. He emphasizes the importance of consistency over intensity, the value of hard work, and the significance of time management. Drew discusses his experiences training players like Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum & Joel Embiid and the impact of organizational support on player development. He also shares insights from his journey as a basketball trainer, emphasizing the importance of hard work and opportunity. Drew also highlights the evolving coaching techniques in basketball, the human side of NBA players, and the impact of sports betting on fan perception. He concludes by discussing his upcoming book, 'Stop Bullshitting Yourself', which aims to help individuals improve their mentalities and achieve their goals.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Drew:Twitter: x.com/DrewHanlenInstagram: instagram.com/drewhanlen/Buy "Stop Bullshitting Yourself": amzn.to/3PyzVr1Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this conversation, NBA reporter Yaron Weitzman discusses his book 'Tanking to the Top,' which chronicles the Philadelphia 76ers' rebuilding process under Sam Hinkie. The discussion covers the motivations behind writing the book, the team's struggles before Hinkie's arrival, the philosophy of tanking, Hinkie's unique approach to management, and the importance of understanding players as individuals. Yaron also provides insights into the complexities of sports management and the human elements that influence player success. The conversation also touches on the business aspects of basketball and the future of audacious strategies in sports management.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Yaron:Twitter: x.com/YaronWeitzmanBuy "Tanking to the Top": amzn.to/4h1eNWbConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this engaging conversation, David Fales shares his journey from an under-recruited high school player to a successful quarterback at San Jose State and his experiences in the NFL. He discusses the challenges of quarterback recruitment, the importance of organizational fit, and the influence of great quarterbacks like Drew Brees on his game. Fales emphasizes the multifaceted nature of quarterback success, highlighting the need for strong support systems and the right coaching environments. He reflects on the emotional toll of being cut and signed multiple times, the importance of preparation, and the mental health aspects of being a high-performing athlete. David also discusses the home field advantage cold weather teams have, his training camp experiences in Miami, and insights into notable quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick, Jay Cutler, and Sam Darnold. Lastly, Fales highlights the importance of being in the right situation for success and the often unseen factors that contribute to a player's career trajectory.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with David:Instagram: instagram.com/fales10/Twitter: x.com/DavidFalesConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's an Olympic Gold Medalist, world champion, and huge fan of Ikea and the Vancouver Canucks. Jerome Blake is carving his own unique path through the world of track and field while simultaneously trying to reinvigorate its popularity. In this episode of the Victory Degree podcast, Olympic gold medalist Jerome Blake shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Jamaica to becoming a professional athlete in Canada. He discusses the cultural differences he faced when moving to Canada, his discovery of sprinting, and the mental preparation required for high-stakes competitions. Jerome emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the unique aspects of track and field that keep him motivated. Blake also reflects on the emotional aftermath of winning a gold medal and the challenges of athlete popularity in track and field including the need for disruption in track and field, drawing parallels with the LIV Golf model. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in sports to engage audiences and market athletes effectively.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Jerome:Instagram: instagram.com/_jeromeblake/Twitter: x.com/_JeromeblakeConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's a former 1st round pick of the San Diego Chargers, reality TV star, and present day entrepreneur. Larry English joins the pod to talk through his journey to football, experience building his own company & brand, and much more!In this conversation, Larry English shares his journey from growing up in Aurora, Illinois, to becoming a first-round draft pick. He discusses the importance of family support, his early passion for football, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Larry emphasizes the significance of viewing the NFL as an opportunity rather than a career, reflecting on the average lifespan of an NFL player and the realities of injuries and competition. He also recounts his decision to attend Northern Illinois University and the challenges he faced during his college career, ultimately leading to his success as a pass rusher. Larry hits on the importance of unlocking one's potential, the power of fun in achieving success, and the significance of preparation and non-attachment to outcomes. Larry shares insights on resilience, communication, and the journey of overcoming labels like 'bust' in sports. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt discussion about the fulfillment of fatherhood compared to a career in football, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and serving others.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Larry:Instagram: instagram.com/larryenglish_/Twitter: x.com/LarryEnglish57Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's an Olympian, world champion, and huge Tennessee Titans fan. Trevor Bassitt joins the pod to talk through his journey from Bluffton, Ohio to the world stage.Trevor Bassitt is a 400m hurdler who won Bronze at the 2022 World Championships and recently represented team USA in the Paris Olympics. In this conversation, Trevor shares insights about his upbringing in Bluffton, Ohio, emphasizing the importance of community and accountability. He reflects on the strong work ethic instilled in him by his parents and how it shaped his approach to sports. Trevor recounts his initial struggles with hurdles and his eventual success in high school track, leading to his decision to pursue athletics in college. He delves into his experiences as an Olympian, discussing the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Village, the pressures of competition, and his reflections on performance. He also touches on the misconceptions surrounding Olympians, the challenges faced by young quarterbacks in the NFL, and even delves into a light-hearted debate about Nickelback's music. Throughout the discussion, Trevor emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and resilience in the face of challenges, while also expressing excitement for future competitions and the journey ahead.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Trevor:Instagram: instagram.com/trevorbassitt30/Twitter: x.com/TrevorBassitt30Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

The most iconic sportswriter in America today - Jeff Pearlman joins the pod to talk through the 02' Lakers, 90's Cowboys, and plenty of other iconic sports stories. Jeff Pearlman is an American sportswriter who has written nine books that have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list: four about football, three on baseball and two about basketball. He authored the 1999 John Rocker interview in Sports Illustrated. In this conversation, Jeff shares his unique journey as a New York Jets fan, the expectations and disappointments that come with it, and his insights into sports writing and storytelling. He reflects on Kobe Bryant's early years and his complex relationship with Shaquille O'Neal, and delves into Phil Jackson's coaching philosophy. The conversation also touches on the controversial Kings vs. Lakers 02' playoff series and rapid-fire stories about the NBA draft, Walter Payton, and the 90s Cowboys.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Jeff:Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeff_pearlman/TikTok: tiktok.com/@jeffpearlmanauthorConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

The NFL season is at the halfway point and so it was only right to bring back Aaron Schatz to discuss his thoughts on the season thus far. Aaron is currently the Chief Analytics Officer at FTN Fantasy and also writes for ESPN+. He has studied the world of advanced NFL stats for 20+ years, is the creator of DVOA, and votes for the All-Pro & MVP awards each year. In this conversation, Nik and Aaron delve into the current state of the NFL, focusing on the NFC Championship contenders, the impact of offensive masterminds, underperforming teams, quarterback development strategies, MVP candidates, and their Super Bowl predictions. They analyze various teams' chances of making the playoffs, the effectiveness of different coaching styles, the importance of quarterback performance in team success & analyze the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills as key contenders in the AFC, while also exploring the potential of rookie quarterbacks and the competitive landscape in the NFC.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Aaron:Twitter: x.com/ASchatzNFLFTN Fantasy: ftnfantasy.comConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview athletes, authors, coaches, and everyone in-between to get a fresh perspective on the world of sports. Today's guest is Jason Cole - the author of "Elway: A Relentless Life."Jason Cole discusses his biography on John Elway, exploring the quarterback's early life, career challenges, and the serendipitous moments that shaped his success. Cole shares insights into the complexities of evaluating and drafting quarterbacks in the NFL, the impact of Elway's dual-sport talent, and the chaotic nature of his college career, culminating in memorable moments that defined his legacy. The discussion also touches on Elway's transition from player to executive, navigating Tebow mania and ultimately securing a Super Bowl victory with Peyton Manning. In addition, Nik and Jason discuss the complexities of NFL quarterback evaluations, John Elway's strategic decisions in building a championship team, and the intricate Hall of Fame selection process including the challenges of assessing quarterbacks like Philip Rivers and Eli Manning, highlighting the subjective nature of Hall of Fame candidacy and the impact of performance on legacy.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Jason:Twitter: x.com/JasonCole62Buy "Elway": amzn.to/48w0VAjConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Mirin Fader - Mirin is the author of "Dream" - the definitive biography of Hakeem Olajuwon.It’s now the norm for NBA and collegiate teams to have international players dotting their rosters. The Olympics are no longer a gimme for Team USA. Both via fans streaming from all over the globe and leagues starting in countries throughout the world, the international presence of the game of basketball is a force to be reckoned with.That all started with Hakeem “the Dream” Olajuwon. He was the first international player to win the MVP, which is hard to believe now considering the last time an American‑born player won it was in 2018. Award-winning hoops journalist Mirin Fader explores this phenomenal shift through the lens of what Olajuwon accomplished throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. Dream ignites nostalgia for Phi Slama Jama and “the Dream Shake,” while also exploring the profound influence of Olajuwon’s commitment to Islam on his approach to life and basketball, and how his devotion to his faith inspired generations of Muslim people around the world.Olajuwon’s ongoing work with NBA Africa, his status as an international ambassador for the game, and his consultations with today’s brightest stars, from LeBron James to Giannis Antetokounmpo, brings the story right up to the present moment, and beyond. Synthesizing hundreds of interviews and in-depth research, Fader provides the definitive biography of Olajuwon as well as a crucial understanding of his pivotal impact on the ever-shifting game.In this interview, Mirin discusses her latest book on Hakeem Olajuwon, exploring his life, legacy, and the impact he had on basketball and his community. The discussion covers Hakeem's upbringing in Nigeria, his late start in basketball, the role of mentorship, and the challenges he faced as an international player in the NBA. Fader also delves into the controversial circumstances surrounding Hakeem's move to the University of Houston and the 1984 NBA draft, highlighting the significance of his journey and the broader implications for international players in the sport. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon, exploring his journey from the 1984 NBA Draft to his spiritual awakening and leadership evolution. The discussion highlights his unique experiences during Ramadan, his marketability challenges, and his impact on the Muslim community post-9/11. Fader shares insights from her extensive research and interviews, emphasizing Hakeem's authenticity and the importance of giving back without seeking recognition.As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Mirin:Twitter: https://x.com/MirinFaderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirinfader/Website: https://mirinfader.com/Buy "Dream": amzn.to/404GMPkConnect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Timothy Bella - Tim is the author of his book "Barkley" - the definitive biography of Charles Barkley, exploring his early childhood, his storied NBA career, and his enduring legacy as a provocative voice in American pop culture. Timothy Bella is an author and journalist based in Northern Virginia. His first book, “Barkley,” was released in 2022 to critical acclaim. He’s written for the biggest publications in the world over the last 16 years, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Esquire, GQ, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone. He left The Post in 2024 to work on his second book, write profiles and spend more time with his amazing family.“Charles is like a brother to me and there’s no one else like him. His larger-than-life persona shines through in Timothy Bella’s writing and I know this biography, of one of the world’s most entertaining people, will be enjoyed by many.”—Shaquille O'NealIn this interview, Tim & Nik discuss Tim’s latest book “Barkley.” Everything from Barkley's upbringing (including his role as a "Cake Bandit"), to his experience at Auburn, to draft day and going to the 76ers, to his playoff disappointments, and even his rivalry with Michael Jordan. This is a definitive look at Chuck's life both on and off the court. As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Tim:Twitter: https://x.com/TimBellaWebsite: https://www.timothybella.com/Buy "Barkley": amzn.to/3zx9bmxConnect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Alex Hutchinson - Alex is the New York Times bestselling author of Endure, a longtime columnist for Outside covering the science of endurance, and a National Magazine Award–winning journalist who has contributed to the New York Times, The New Yorker, and other publications. A former long-distance runner for the Canadian national team, he holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia and a Ph.D. in physics from Cambridge, and he did his post-doctoral research with the National Security Agency. He lives in Toronto with his familyIn this interview, Alex reveals some hidden truths about the world of endurance and human performance including: optimal hydration levels, the importance of VO2 max and how to increase it, what really determines your endurance limits, various studies on peak human performance, and much more... As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Alex:Twitter: https://x.com/sweatscience Website: https://alexhutchinson.net/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Brian Dickinson - Brian served for 6 years as a US Navy air rescue swimmer before he moved to the Pacific Northwest to pursue his passion for extreme sports and mountain climbing. He has climbed expeditions on the highest peaks of the seven continents, including Kilimanjaro, McKinley, Elbrus, Kosciuszko, Vinson Massif, Aconcagua, and Everest. He is the author of “Blind Descent”, a book that highlights Brian’s journey to the summit of Mount Everest and then his descent back down, which he did blind and alone. In this interview, Brian and Nik discuss Brian’s experience mountain climbing, why he chose to climb Everest, the logistics of climbing Everest, the challenges involved with the summit, how he managed to climb back down blind and alone, the importance of resiliency, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Brian:Twitter: https://x.com/BrianCDickinsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Ian O’Connor - Ian is the author of his sixth book, “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers.” His previous five books include four consecutive New York Times bestsellers — "Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski,” “Belichick: The Making of the Greatest Football Coach of All Time,” "The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter," which the Library Journal called "excellent" and "the most complete account" of Jeter's iconic career and "Arnie & Jack: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Golf's Greatest Rivalry." O'Connor is a former ESPN.com, New York Post, USA Today, and New York Daily News columnist who has finished in 1st place 20 times in national writing contests.In this interview, Ian & Nik discuss Ian’s latest book “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers.” Everything from Aaron’s upbringing to the 2005 NFL Draft to Aaron’s relationship with Brett Favre & even Aaron’s falling out with his family, this conversation sheds light on one of the more polarizing sports figures we’ve ever seen. Ian reveals all sides of an all-time great and delivers a portrait of a complex man and four-time NFL MVP that will forever shape the way football fans view him.As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Ian:Twitter: https://x.com/Ian_OConnorWebsite: https://www.ian-oconnor.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is DeShone Kizer - a former NFL QB who doesn’t need much of an introduction. DeShone was a 4 star HS recruit and was ranked the 9th best dual threat QB in his class. But for DeShone, making it to the NFL wasn’t his only passion. He loved the idea of starting his own business one day which is why he ultimately chose to play at Notre Dame - a school that offered him a perfect blend of academics and athletics. DeShone was a highly touted prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft and ended up getting picked by the Cleveland Browns in the 2nd round. DeShone’s NFL career didn’t go as planned, as he struggled from the start. After a few years in the league, he decided to hang up the cleats and pursue entrepreneurship by starting his own company: One of None which he still runs today. In this interview, DeShone reveals his journey to the NFL, experience playing at Notre Dame, take us behind the scenes of the NFL Draft process, explains why he struggled in the NFL, highlights his experience playing with Aaron Rodgers, gives his best tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with DeShone:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deshonekizer/Twitter: https://x.com/deshonekizerOne of None: https://oneofnone.io/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Eddie Lack - Eddie is a former professional NHL goalie whose playing career involved stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and New Jersey Devils. Eddie’s hockey career started in 2004 in Sweden but it took 5 grueling years for Eddie to finally make it to the NHL. Although he went undrafted in the 2009 draft, his tenacity & hard work ultimately paid off as he became both a starting goalie and fan favorite in Vancouver. Eddie’s playing days came to an end in March, 2020 as he hung up his skates one last time. Next for Eddie was a career in real estate which is what still keeps him busy nowadays. In this interview, Eddie reveals his journey to hockey, the grind of an NHL season, how he remained focused and present during a game, how he managed his money while in the NHL, the power of consistency, why goalies take longer to develop, why he chose real estate, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know.Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Eddie Lack:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddielack31/Twitter: https://x.com/eddielackWebsite: https://www.eddielack.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is David Kilgore - David may be one of the world’s greatest endurance athletes, but his route to the top is perhaps not what you would expect from an ultra-runner. While David did compete in traditional competitions during his college years, he also spent much of his youth chasing alligators through swamps in his home state of Florida. And it’s this fearless nature that has helped him achieve some incredible results. A four-time Florida state track and cross country champion and All-American runner, David soon began to compete in more challenging events and push his body to the limit. Now part of the US World Trail and Ultra team, he’s used to covering huge distances. In 2020, he ran 100 miles in a single day to raise money for charity, and the following year ran the entire circumference of Manhattan. But perhaps his most remarkable feat to date was participating in and winning the World Marathon Challenge. This saw David and 34 other hand-selected runners compete in seven marathons in seven days across seven continents.In this interview, David reveals his journey to running, how he pushes himself past his own limit, his training regimen for ultramarathons, the life changing insights he had from running 7 marathons in 7 days across 7 continents, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with David Kilgore:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkilgore/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.kilgore.98/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Dr. Jim Loehr - a World-renowned performance psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, Co-founder, & Coach. Dr. Loehr has worked with hundreds of world-class performers from the arenas of sport, business, medicine and law enforcement, including Fortune 100 executives, FBI Hostage Rescue Teams, and military Special Forces. Dr. Loehr’s sports clients include 17 number ones in the world in their respective sports, multiple clients from professional tennis, golf, basketball, football, hockey, boxing, race car driving and the Olympics. He has applied his methodology to both individuals and entire teams. From his more than 30 years of experience and applied research, Dr. Loehr believes the single most important factor in successful achievement, personal fulfillment and life satisfaction is the strength of one’s character. Dr. Jim Loehr is a world-renowned performance psychologist, whose ground-breaking, science-based energy management training system has achieved worldwide recognition. Dr. Loehr has been chronicled in leading national publications, including: Fortune, Harvard Business Review, US News Report and has been featured on NBC’s Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show. In this interview, Dr. Loehr reveals his journey to sports psychology, what mental toughness is and how to increase it, how the best tennis players in the world stay mentally tough during a match, the power of your inner voice and how to harness it to achieve greatness, how to build up your resiliency, the idea of an ideal performance state, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…TIMESTAMPS(00:00) The Gift of Sport(04:16) Sports Psychology in the 80's(13:10) The Psychological Struggles of Tennis Players(21:07) Learning From Athletes(25:15) Inner Voice(42:31) The Perils of Competition(45:54) Dan Jansen(54:50) Modern Day Struggles of Athletes(59:09) How To Become More Resilient (01:01:25) Ideal Performance State(01:06:06) Novak Djokovic: GOAT?(01:13:17) Athletes Dr. Loehr Wishes He Worked With(01:17:51) Proudest Moments(01:22:23) Life AdviceConnect with Dr. Jim Loehr:Website: www.jim-loehr.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jim-loehr/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Frank Fleming aka Frank the Tank. If you follow Barstool Sports, then you know Frank as the diehard Mets, Dolphins, Devils, and recently converted Knicks fan. His over the top rants combined with his insane knowledge of sports history have earned him a huge base of loyal supporters online. Before Barstool, Frank was a court clerk, substitute teacher, and frequent user of the New Jersey Transit System. Little did Frank know that a viral rant about NJ Transit was about to change his life forever…In this interview, Frank reveals his journey to Barstool, how he built one of the largest sports history websites in the world, the crime that was the 02’ Lakers/Kings playoff series, his insane weight loss journey, an array of stats and facts about the 4 major North American sports leagues, a rant about the Miami Dolphins, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…TIMESTAMPS(00:00) US Soccer(05:00) Pre Barstool Days(08:36) SportsEcyclopedia.com(12:46) NBA in the 80's & 90's(19:46) 02' Kings Lakers Playoff Series(23:09) Sports Conspiracies (25:56) Hard Rock Stadium(28:00) Becoming a Dolphins Fan(31:32) Working at Barstool(36:01) Frank Walks(38:15) Sports History(54:56) Insane Dolphins Story(58:55) How to Fix the Dolphins(01:01:29) Life AdviceConnect with Frank:Twitter: https://x.com/NjTank99Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njtank1975/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Merril Hoge. Merril was a running back in the NFL for 8 seasons for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears. Hoge’s NFL career saw him amass 3139 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns before having to retire due to a concussion misdiagnosis. Merril went on to have a successful career as a sports personality on ESPN before being laid off in 2017. Merril’s journey has been full of ups and downs: from losing his mother at the age of 19 to being diagnosed with cancer in 2003 to having open heart surgery in 2015. Despite all these challenges, Merril has always been able to “find a way.” In this interview, Merril reveals his journey to the NFL, how he deals with moments of self-doubt, how he’s been able to navigate tragedy and life’s toughest challenges, his abysmal draft combine experience, what he has learned from hunting with Big Ben, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro (02:08) Johnny Manziel (03:59) Find a Way(13:13) How To Defeat Self-Doubt(18:57) How Merril Dealt With His Mother Passing Away(24:45) Merril's Draft Combine(30:00) Concussion Misdiagnosis (39:01) Cancer & Open-Heart Surgery (47:58) Happiness (54:01) Hunting With Big Ben (01:00:06) Life AdviceConnect with Merril:Twitter: x.com/merrilhogeInstagram: www.instagram.com/merrilhoge/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is TeeTee Terry. TeeTee is a 2 time track and field world champion who specialized in the women’s 100 and 200 meter sprints. She’s a 2 time gold medalist in the 4x1 relay, set a school record at USC, and recently qualified for the Paris Olympics representing Team USA. TeeTee made Junior Olympics her first year in track and field and is quickly becoming one of the fastest women in the world. TeeTee is easily recognizable from her signature double ponytails, loves DIY projects, and has a passion for working with kids.In this interview, TeeTee reveals her journey to track and field, what she’s looking forward to in the Paris Olympics, the reality of being an olympian, how she gets her mind right before and during a race, the power of discipline, her takeaways from working with George Mumford, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…TIMESTAMPS(02:01) Who is TeeTee?(03:39) Relationship w/Parents(09:07) Is Passion Real?(11:21) TeeTee's Relationship w/Track(13:06) Motivation (15:15) Behind the Scenes Look at the Olympics(19:14) Difficulty of Competing in 100m Sprint(21:30) Pre-Race Routine(23:07) Experience at USC(26:11) Discipline (30:17) Priorities (31:07) Intention(32:06) George Mumford(39:06) Mindset During a Race(41:01) Is Winning as Fun As It Seems?(46:06) Criticism (49:38) Role Models(52:09) Paris Olympics(54:12) Sports Broadcaster(55:16) Advice to Kids(57:06) Plans After Track(57:22) Life AdviceConnect with TeeTee:Twitter: https://x.com/TeeTeeTerry_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canonlybeme__/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Jimmy Traina. Jimmy has been with Sports Illustrated since 2000, covering the world of sports and sports media in various capacities. He has been writing daily sports columns since 2007 and has been the host of the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast since 2017 interviewing athletes and media personalities like Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Charles Barkley, Bill Simmons, Ryen Russilo, Pat McAfee, and more.In this interview, Jimmy explains why New Haven Pizza is overrated, how he landed a job at Sports Illustrated, what separates great broadcasters like Kevin Harlan and Mike Breen from everyone else, the future of sports media, the grind of writing a daily sports column, what he’s learned from interviewing Ryen Russillo, Bill Simmons, Charles Barkley, Scott Hansen, Pat McAfee, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(03:22) Worst Tuesday of the Year?(04:08) Working From Home(06:00) New Haven Pizza(10:30) How Jimmy Got Into Sports(14:54) Sports as a Career(16:09) Sports Broadcasting(19:54) How to Deal With Criticism(22:17) How Twitter Changed Sports(24:21) Athlete Podcasts & Future of Sports Media(28:37) The Optimal TV Setup(32:28) Streaming Platforms(33:29) How Fantasy & Gambling Have Changed the NFL(36:00) The Grind of Writing a Daily Sports Column(40:04) Getting Into Sports Media(44:17) Starting a Podcast in 2017(49:08) Jimmy's Interview Style(55:38) Ryen Russillo(56:57) Bill Simmons(58:16) Charles Barkley(61:10) Scott Hansen(01:02:21) Pat McAfee(01:07:55) Downsides of Working in Sports(01:11:24) Jimmy's Favorite Character from The Office(01:14:19) The Legacy of Bill Walton(01:17:00) Life AdviceConnect with Jimmy: Twitter: https://x.com/JimmyTrainaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmytraina/SI Media Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/si-media-with-jimmy-traina/id997819235Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Allistair McCaw. Allistair is a sports performance and mindset coach who has worked with extraordinary athletes and olympians like Kevin Anderson, Xavier Malisse, and many others. Allistair’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable as he grew up working various jobs like: delivering newspapers, mascotting for a sports drink company, and cleaning gyms. In his spare time, Allistair has competed in 29 marathons and in 5 duathlon world championships. Currently, Allistair travels the world sharing his knowledge on leadership, motivation, and team culture. In this interview, Allistair outlines the importance of preparation, how to seek out success, his experience working with top athletes and how they differ from everyone else, how to build lasting habits, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(01:45) What Allistair Does and Why?(03:52) Working Various Odd Jobs(07:07) The Impact of Our Circumstances(09:19) Why Many Are Difficult to Coach(13:20) No Money in Sports(16:52) How to Become a Sports Performance & Mindset Coach(20:15) Knowing When to Quit (22:34) Allistair's First Big Break(24:61) Kevin Anderson(27:03) Working w/Grand Slam Champions(37:05) The Origins of Obsession(43:30) Nick Bollettieri(48:48) Marriage Advice (51:20) The Importance of Mindset(54:52) "Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity"(59:41) Self-Talk(01:06:31) Coach K(01:10:23) Building Habits That Last(01:16:57) Life AdviceConnect with Allistair: Twitter: https://x.com/AllistairMcCawInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bechampionminded/Mindset Is Your Superpower Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNM1VCV8?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_XEM43ZBS55BYBP1QHQVH&language=en-USConnect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Coach Bob Starkey. Coach Starkey has more than 30 years of SEC coaching experience including stints with both LSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams from 1989-2011. During this time, he coached LSU greats like Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles, Temeka Jonson, and Shaq. All in all, Coach Starkey has had a decorated career, having been a part of 790 collegiate victories, 24 NCAA Tournaments, eight trips to the Elite Eight and five straight trips to the Women’s Final Four (2004-08). He is currently the associate head coach on the LSU Women’s Basketball team, under head coach Kim Mulkey and was largely responsible for implementing defensive principles that ultimately helped LSU win the national title in 2023. In this interview, Coach Starkey reveals his journey to coaching, how to push through adversity, what he’s learned from studying coaches like Bill Belichick and Nick Saban, the growth of women’s basketball, experience coaching Angel Reese and Shaq, how athletes should approach social media, and much more. As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(02:19) Coach Starkey's Journey to Coaching(05:54) Differences Between Men's and Women's Basketball(09:12) How To Fight Through Adversity & Focus on the Process(17:40) Staying in the Moment & Kobe(21:31) What Makes for Good Team Culture?(25:39) The Downstream Effects of Poor Leadership(26:48) Learning From Bill Belichick & Nick Saban(29:39) Failure(32:53) Angel Reese(37:38) Social Media(40:46) Growth of Women's Basketball(45:52) Shaq(53:05) Coach Starkey: Hall of Fame Coach(55:08) Work Ethic(59:40) Finding Your Passion(01:08:28) What Coach Starkey is Most Proud Of(01:09:59) Online Blog(01:21:50) How Basketball Has Changed?(01:29:29) Phil Jackson(01:35:36) Life AdviceConnect with Coach Starkey: Twitter: https://x.com/CoachBobStarkeyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoopcoachbobstarkey/Hoop Thoughts Blog: https://hoopthoughts.blogspot.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Sylvia Hoffman aka SupaDupaChick. Sylvia is a 7 time World Cup Medalist and former Olympic Bronze medal winning bobsledder. In her own words, Sylvia is “a multi-sport athlete that has had three main sports throughout her athletic career. And she have gone Pro in two of them all while working full time in corporate. She is very passionate about reaching for goals that others deem impossible. She is an engineer, a national, international and Olympic record holder, an undefeated national champion, and an aspiring keynote speaker.” Not to mention, Sylvia is also a huge Eagles fan. In this interview, Sylvia reveals her extraordinary journey to bobsledding which involves an appearance on The Next Olympic Hopeful, the ins and outs of bobsledding, the difficult of juggling a full time job while training for the Olympics, how everyone can improve their self-confidence, and how to never give up…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. Alright, now on to the episode…TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Philadelphia Eagles(02:06) How to Become a Bobsledder(10:50) What is Bobsledding?(13:12) The Military or The Olympics(17:20) Astronauts & Space(20:30) The Randomness of Life(28:36) Working a 9-5(33:50) How to Break Out of the Rat Race(39:26) Making Team USA(46:07) Olympic Training(56:05) Financial Hardships(01:05:32) Medaling in the Summer AND Winter Olympic Games(01:13:59) Life AdviceConnect with Sylvia: Twitter: https://x.com/MsSylviaHoffmanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_sylviahoffman/?hl=enConnect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is George Mumford, a.k.a. The Performance Whisperer. George is a globally recognized speaker, teacher, and pioneer in sports psychology and performance. Since 1989, he’s been honing his groundbreaking performance and mindfulness techniques with people from locker rooms to board rooms, Yale to jail — as Phil Jackson’s ‘Secret Weapon’ to winning eight NBA Championships, helping Michael Jordan transform his leadership, and teaching Kobe Bryant to “just be.”In this interview, George shares his experience working with the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant. He reveals why Kobe and MJ were some of his best meditation students and why MJ embraced the idea of “competing against one’s previous best self.” George also discusses the work he did with prison inmates and why they’re not so different from NBA players…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. And finally please remember: you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take….TIMESTAMPS(01:41) 12 Siblings(04:11) George's Childhood(09:36) The Power of Adversity (17:11) Self-Realization (24:20) Kobe's Jump Shot and Freedom(29:29) Working With Phil Jackson & The Bulls(35:48) Meditation Experts: Kobe & Michael Jordan(41:40) George's Improbable Journey (45:17) Working With Prison Inmates (49:03) How Social Media Has Impacted Athletes (55:42) Advice From Athletes (57:38) Life Advice Connect with George: Twitter: https://x.com/gtmumfordInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/george.mumford/Website: https://georgemumford.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Hello party people, welcome back to the show! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Josh Dobbs - current NFL player and aspiring Aerospace Engineer. Josh’s NFL career started in 2017 when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 4th round after playing 4 seasons for the Tennessee Volunteers. Since then, Josh has played for the Jaguars, Steelers, Browns, Lions, Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, and is currently with the 49ers. Besides football, Josh is passionate about the field of Aerospace Engineering - even interning at the Kennedy Space Center in both 2020 and 2021. In this interview, Josh reveals details about his childhood including his first passion - Aerospace Engineering, his hectic lifestyle in college, life as an NFL quarterback, why he’s excited to play for the 49ers, and much more. As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode and please remember: you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take….TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Joshs' Favorite Plane(01:32) Childhood(05:49) Kennedy Space Center(08:33) Role Models(12:04) Advanced Math(14:15) Josh Dobbs the Superhuman(16:53) Maturity(20:54) Josh's Insane College Schedule(30:12) Engineering: The Good Ol' Days(39:08) Engineer or Football Player?(41:49) Drafted by the Steelers(46:27) What Separates the Best Quarterbacks(49:22) 7 Different Teams by 28(53:27) Relationship Between Starting QB and Backup(57:05) QB Confidence(01:00:09) Dealing With Failure(01:02:20) Learning From the 2023 Season(01:04:58) Team Culture(01:07:19) Meeting the 49ers(01:09:49) The Player-Agent Relationship(01:15:39) Bay Area Housing Costs(01:16:09) Inside the Helmet(01:19:58) Crowd Noise(01:22:38) Toughest NFL Stadium To Play In(01:23:59) Life AdviceConnect with Josh: Twitter: https://x.com/josh_dobbs1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshdobbs/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Hello party people, welcome back to the show! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Daniel Carcillo - former NHL player and current concussion survivor and mental health advocate. Daniel spent 10 years in the NHL, winning 2 Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks and excelling in his role as an enforcer. Daniel was known for his aggressive play style on the ice and willingness to drop the gloves - so much so it earned him the nickname “car bomb.” After retiring from the NHL, Daniel experienced severe mental health conditions - the aftermath of countless concussions while playing. Daniel’s work and commitment to brain health initiatives have been featured in The Players’ Tribune, The New York Times, USA Today, The Athletic, and more. In this interview, Daniel opens up on his journey to hockey which started in King City, Ontario, his experience playing in the NHL, his work surrounding brain health, and the power of discipline, self-care, and a positive mindset.As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode and please remember: you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take….TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Who Is Daniel Carcillo?(02:17) King City, Ontario(04:57) Pursuing Hockey(07:22) Moving Away from Home at 16(10:12) Managing Pressure(13:43) Visualizing Success(20:11) Day in the Life of a NHL Player(26:23) How to Keep Going(29:44) Daniel's Willingness to Drop the Gloves(37:01) The Link Between Hockey and CTE(41:34) The Power of Discipline, a Positive Mindset & Self-Care(47:07) Life AdviceConnect with Daniel: Twitter: https://x.com/CarBombBoom13Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielcarcillo13/Website: https://danielcarcillo.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Hello party people, welcome back to the show! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Andy Holloway- host of The Fantasy Footballers, a podcast which has been nominated for or won more than 40 industry and podcasting awards and is one of the largest sports podcasts in the world. Andy, alongside his co-hosts Jason Moore and Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright break down the world of Fantasy Football with astute analysis, strong opinions, and matchup-winning advice you can’t find anywhere else. It is truly fantasy football at its finest. In this interview, Andy and I cover how The Fantasy Footballers started, the exact methods and tactics Andy and his co-hosts used to grow the podcast, Andy’s advice for all entrepreneurs including: the importance of focus, looking for signals, the role luck plays in success, and how to deal with your harshest critics. Andy also breaks down podcasting as a business and if you should start one today. As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode and please remember: you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take….TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(03:53) Early Days of Fantasy Sports(6:07) Leaving Tech for Podcasting(09:51) Viewing the Podcast as a Business(11:54) Monetization(16:49) Starting Broad vs. Niche(20:23) Future of Podcasting(26:31) Looking for Early Signals(31:55) Knowing When to Quit(34:55) The Importance of Staying Focused(41:03) Disagreements With Jason & Mike(43:49) What is Andy's Why?(46:00) Is a Podcast a Sellable Asset?(48:17) Enjoying the Day-to-Day(50:20) Andy's Daily Routine(54:47) Downsides to Andy's Job(57:43) Dealing with Criticism as a Public Figure(01:05:21) What Fatherhood Has Taught Andy(01:09:40) Learning From Athletes(01:12:20) The Role of Luck and Timing in Success(01:17:39) Life Advice & What's Next for The Fantasy FootballersConnect with Andy: Twitter: https://x.com/andyhollowayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andyholloway/The Fantasy Footballers: https://www.thefantasyfootballers.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Mike Sielski - the author of "The Rise, Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality." Mike has been a sports columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer since 2013 and was formerly a reporter at The Wall Street Journal. Mike was voted the top sports columnist in 2015 by the Associated Press Sports Editors. The book explores Kobe's origins, his upbringing in Italy, his time at Lower Merion High School, the influence of Kobe's parents, particularly his father Joe Bryant, and the impact of his experiences on his mindset and self-confidence. The conversation highlights Kobe's dedication to basketball and his relentless pursuit of greatness. Nik and Mike also explore Kobe Bryant's on-court and off-court persona, his search for identity, the impact of skipping steps in his development, his decision to bypass college, the importance of winning the state championship, his desire for a big market team, the draft fiasco and his journey to the Lakers, his dedication to improvement, and the lessons from his life and legacy. Please Enjoy! TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Mike's Relationship With Jake Voracek (01:20) Inspiration to Write the Book (03:28) Research For the Book (05:49) Where is Kobe From?(08:07) How Kobe Got His Name(08:41) Joe Bryant: Kobe's Father (15:03) Kobe's Maturity and Mindset (17:24) Kobe's Time in Italy (19:00) Kobe & American Culture (20:19) Kobe's Love for Storytelling (21:57) Kobe's Lower Merion High School Career (28:05) Kobe's Self-Confidence (30:33) Kobe's On-Court and Off-Court Persona (33:00) Kobe The Intimidator (35:13) The Importance of Winning the State Championship(38:12) Bypassing College (40:44) The Draft Fiasco and Kobe's Journey to the Lakers (44:25) Do Big Market NBA Teams Have an Advantage? (45:21) After the Loss to Utah (46:51) Lessons from Kobe's Life and Legacy (47:55) Kobe's Regrets (49:49) Life Advice (53:09) Mike's Favorite Lesson from Kobe Connect with Mike: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeSielski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike.sielski/ Buy "The Rise": https://shorturl.at/adkry Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Raymont Harris - a former NFL running back for the Chicago Bears. Raymont shares the challenges he faced growing up in the small town of Lorain, Ohio without a mother and the pivotal role football played in keeping him on the right path. Raymont shares his journey from starting only 7 games his entire high school career, to having an outstanding run at Ohio State, and eventually landing in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. Life after the NFL saw Raymont start a career in the mortgage business but quickly realized it wasn't for him. This lead him to starting Elite Mindset and Performance (EMP), a program designed to help you level up in life and achieve your dreams. Raymont's passion for helping others is evident and his journey is nothing short of spectacular.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(02:41) How Raymont Deals With a Birthday Close to Christmas(03:54) Growing Up Without A Mother(05:48) Football as an Escape(08:23) Dreams of Going into the NFL(10:54) Importance of Support(13:05) Early Injuries & Motivation (17:22) Ohio State vs. Michigan (19:05) Getting Drafted Into the NFL(20:49) Slim Odds(25:26) Balancing Confidence and Cockiness(28:37) Healing From Past Traumas(31:59) Regrets From the NFL(34:29) Comparison to Current NFL Running Backs(36:41) Post NFL Career(39:43) Starting Elite Mindset and Performance (EMP)(42:41) Control the Controllables(48:09) Self-Belief(51:23) Visualizing Success(54:39) Favorite Part of Running EMP(55:54) Future Goals for EMP(59:01) Comparison of NFL and Entrepreneurship(01:01:10) Life Advice(01:03:57) Advice To Younger SelfConnect with Raymont:Twitter: https://twitter.com/raymontharrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raymont_harris/?hl=enElite Mindset & Performance: https://raymontharris.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with NFL agent Mike McCartney. Mike has been involved in college football and the NFL as a coach, scout, and personnel executive for more than 25 years. This includes stints with the Chicago Bears as a Pro Scout and the Philadelphia Eagles as the Director of Pro Personnel. Currently, Mike works for VaynerSports and represents NFL talent like Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, and Aidan Hutchinson. Nik and Mike discuss McCartney's background in football, his transition to becoming an agent, the challenges of drafting quarterbacks in the NFL, McCartney's experience negotiating contracts for Kirk Cousins, the process of navigating free agency, and more! Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Bad Joke About Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy (02:19) "Football is Here, Goodbye Dear"(08:56) Differences Between College Football & The NFL(13:21) Why Drafting a Franchise QB Is Tough(19:23) Becoming a NFL Agent (25:13) Importance of Integrity(27:54) Recruiting New Clients(30:35) Responsibilities as an NFL Agent(33:12) Negotiating Kirk Cousins' Falcons Contract(34:49) Navigating Free Agency(43:27) Do Players Care About the City They Play In?(47:22) Understanding NFL Contracts(55:08) Predicting The Future QB Market(58:39) Insights into Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, and Aiden Hutchinson(01:02:03) Life AdviceConnect with Mike:Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeMcCartney7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_mikemac/Spotrac: https://www.spotrac.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Malcolm Lemmons, a former professional basketball player turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from a life-changing car accident to playing basketball overseas and building his personal brand. He emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort, taking risks, and understanding that greatness takes time. Malcolm also highlights the significance of building a brand for athletes, as it can provide opportunities and leverage during and after their sports careers. Malcolm's journey is one worth paying attention to and his insights into brand building are exceptional. TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(01:02) The Car Accident(07:01) Choosing Basketball(18:03) Playing in Japan(24:35) Lessons from Basketball(36:11) Why Should Athletes Build a Brand?(38:00) Working At Apple(40:35) Brand Perception(41:56) Balancing Viral Content and Value(44:12) Athletes as Role Models(47:31) Athlete-Led Podcasts(49:54) Examples of Good Brands(52:40) Starting Vetted Sports & Newsletters(56:38) Timing of Entrepreneurship for Athletes(59:31) Business Mentors(01:01:13) Challenges Growing a Newsletter(01:03:36) Life Advice(01:07:16) Finding Your PassionConnect with Malcolm:Twitter: https://twitter.com/MalcolmLemmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/malcolmlemmons/Vetted Sports: https://newsletter.vettedsports.com/Twitter Thread: https://x.com/MalcolmLemmons/status/1635263423297773569Buy "Impact Beyond the Game": https://shorturl.at/goxENBuy "Lessons From the Game": https://shorturl.at/wEOW1Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Jason McIntyre: the cohost of The Herd With Colin Cowherd, sports analyst at Fox Sports, founder of The Big Lead, and host of The Straight Fire Podcast. Jason shares his experience building and selling a sports media company, his take on the future of sports media, and key frameworks and advice you can implement to find success in whatever you do. Jason also gives us a behind the scenes look at The Herd and his relationship with Colin Cowherd.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Jason's Early Love for Sports(05:35) The Big Lead(09:10) Importance of Timing(13:00) Adversity(18:05) Conquering Fear(20:56) Discovering Your Own Potential(23:50) Advice From Athletes(27:22) The Herd With Colin Cowherd(31:30) Future of Sports Media(34:30) Jason's Life AdviceConnect with Jason:Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonrmcintyreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonrmcintyre/Straight Fire Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-fire-with-jason-mcintyre/id1523353907Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Sean Clifford, the backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers and founder of Limitless NIL. In this conversation, Sean Clifford discusses his journey to the NFL, the culture of the Green Bay Packers, the impact of role models, the growth of Jordan Love, his entrepreneurship ventures, and the lessons he learned from football that he applies to business. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) High School Sean(02:59) From Long Snapper to Quarterback(08:38) Preparation & Luck(11:26) Penn State(13:50) Death Threats(18:49) Criticism (23:18) NFL Draft (31:35) Family (35:12) Green Bay Packers' Culture(38:33) Aaron Rodgers(40:46) Role Models(44:04) Jordan Love (47:08) 49ers Own the Packers(48:07) Entrepreneurship & Starting Limitless NIL(53:51) Lessons Learned from Football(57:06) Ji'Ayir Brown(01:01:06) Life Advice

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Ben Brewster - a former draft pick of the Chicago White Sox and current founder & CEO of Tread Athletics. Ben shares his underdog journey from fighting for a roster spot on the White Sox to starting one of the largest baseball coaching & performance companies in the world. Learn the secret strategies & tactics Ben used to grow Tread Athletics, why so many baseball prospects don't fulfill their potential, and a breakdown of the top pitchers in the MLB.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(01:41) Who Is Ben Brewster?(10:30) Ben Gives a Masterclass in Pitching(13:30) How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others(20:29) Everyone Starts As a Beginner(23:50) Getting Drafted into the MLB & Starting a Company (29:29) MLB Draft Process Explained(32:45) What It's Like Playing in the MLB & Why Most MLB Players Don't Make It(44:13) Why Ben Decided to Start Tread Athletics (56:56) The Impact of COVID on Tread Athletics(59:36) Was Ben Surprised by His Success?(01:02:39) Ben's Social Media Strategy (01:11:52) Mechanical Breakdown of the Best Pitchers in the MLB(01:19:38) Mental Preparation for Pitchers(01:29:07) Is Baseball a Dying Sport?(01:31:29) Ben's Life AdviceConnect with Ben Brewster:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TreadAthleticsTread Athletics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TreadHQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tread_athletics/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@treadathleticsTread Athletics: https://treadathletics.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Marcellus Wiley - a former star Defensive End in the NFL, father, CEO, and sports media personality. Marcellus shares his journey from growing up in South Central LA and how it shaped his perspective on life to the decision to attend Columbia University and ultimately his experience playing professional football in the NFL. Marcellus's journey is one of success and failure, pain and joy, and family. My hope is you learn as much from listening to Marcellus as I did from interviewing him. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Defensive End, Sports Broadcaster, Father, CEO - Marcellus Wiley(00:35) Impact of Fatherhood(01:48) Growing Up in South Central LA & A Run In With the Crips(04:12) The Importance of Perseverance(07:24) Influence of Marcellus' Grandmother(10:57) Taking Football Seriously(13:30)The Significance of Playing Against #27(16:54) Why Marcellus Chose Columbia(20:13) Noise Complaints at Columbia(23:49) What Columbia Taught Marcellus(27:21) The Beauty Pagent at the NFL Draft Combine(30:39) Initial Reaction After Getting Drafted (33:53) Thoughts on Buffalo as a City(38:46) First "Oh Sh*T" Moment in the NFL(41:10) Learning Pass Rush Techniques From the Vets(42:46) Stealing Bruce Smith's Shoes(45:51) Free Agency and Signing with the Chargers(51:22) The Impact of Junior Seau(53:46) Health Effects of Football(56:57) How Max Kellerman Saved Marcellus's Wife(59:36) The Four Corners of a Football Career(01:02:08) Life AdviceConnect with Marcellus Wiley:Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcelluswileyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelluswileyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcelluswileydatdudeProject Transition: https://projecttransition.org/Buy "Never Shut Up": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/572553/never-shut-up-by-marcellus-wiley/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Dan Jansen, a four-time Olympian, seven-time World Cup Champion, and Olympic gold medalist in speed skating. Dan's story starts in Wisconsin, where he quickly picked up the sport of speed skating and set world records at the age of 16. However, tragedy struck Dan and his family as his beloved sister, Jane, tragically passed away right before the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Dan contemplated retiring but decided to keep competing as that's what his sister would have wanted him to do. Dan's performance in the 1988 & 1992 Winter Olympics earned him the nickname "Heartbreak Kid" as Dan often times slipped during his races and finished with sub-par results. However, with the support of an entire country, including President Reagan, Dan triumphed at the 1994 Olympics, winning a gold medal and setting a new world record in what would be his final race. Dan Jansen's story has inspired and touched the hearts of millions of Americans, and I hope it inspires you today as you navigate your own journey. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Dan's Childhood(01:49) Lessons Learned From Siblings(03:58) Balancing Confidence and Humility(06:31) Dan's Role Models Growing Up & Finding Speed Skating(09:39) Setting World Records at 16(10:27) What Does a Speed Skating Practice Look Like?(14:12) What Was Dan's Motivation to Become the Best?(17:32) Dreaming of the Olympics(18:51) First Impressions of the Olympics(22:06) Preparing for the 88' Olympics(26:19) How Dan Dealt With the Tragic Passing of his Sister(34:15) Debating Retirement(39:41) Meeting Ronald Reagan and White House Visit(42:36) The Influence of Peter Mueller & Dr. Jim Loehr and the Power of Self-Belief(49:17) Visualizing Success(52:41) Advice for Young Athletes(54:54) The Emotions of Winning Gold(57:09) The Pressure of Winning(01:00:30) What Speed Skating Has Taught Dan About Life(01:02:49) Would You Rather Have a 1 Minute Conversation With Your Past Self or Future Self?(01:05:12) Dan's Life AdviceConnect with Dan Jansen:Twitter: https://twitter.com/danjansen94Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danjansen1994/Dan Jansen Foundation: https://www.djfoundation.org/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with Adam Breneman: a former Penn State Tight End turned entrepreneur and podcast host. Adam discusses his relationship with football, the decision to join Penn State, how difficult it really is to be a good sports broadcaster, and lessons learned from some of his top podcast guests (Jersey Jerry, RGII, Will Compton, etc.). Adam also gives the audience a masterclass on how to play the tight end position which includes insights the average fan may not realize. As with every interview, the episode ends with Adam's life advice. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction and How Adam Manages His Time(03:01) Overcoming the Fear of Failure(06:00) Balancing Feedback and Not Caring What Others Think(09:22) The Influence and Impact of Adam's Father(11:31) The Best Advice Adam's Father Gave Him (12:39) How Adam Differentiates Himself(14:59) A Masterclass in Sports Broadcasting(18:15) Why Adam Chose Penn State(23:43) Adam's Impact on Penn State As Told By Coach James Franklin(26:59) Adam's Football Regrets (31:28) The Story of the Chinese Farmer and How It Applies to Adam's Life(35:22) Lessons Learned from Adam's Podcast Guest(36:22) Jersey Jerry(37:26) RGIII(38:33) Michael Penix(39:55) Michael Penix as a Draft Prospect(41:29) Will Compton(43:17) Kenny Pickett(44:20) Jared Goff(45:37) Celebrating Jared Goff's Success(46:47) Football from a Tight End's Perspective(48:40) The Greatest Tight End of All Time(49:20) Adam's Life AdviceConnect with Adam Breneman:Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdamBreneman81Next Up with Adam Breneman Twitter: https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdamNext Up with Adam Breneman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithab/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adambreneman/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdamConnect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with Jacob Turner: a former Detroit Tigers pitcher turned wealth manager and content creator. The conversation revolves around topics such as: Jacob's journey from high school to the big leagues, the influence of his father, what it's like getting drafted in the 1st round, how to handle receiving $1.2M at the age of 18, frameworks for success, how to build and protect wealth, and the best baseball fan bases and cities in the country. There's also a Mike Trout story thrown in there, because why not?Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(00:44) Who is Jacob Turner?(01:43) Why Jacob hates telling others he was a professional athlete(03:35) Influence of Jacob's Father(05:23) The Importance of Youth Sports(08:12) Why Jacob Decided to Play Baseball(09:35) The Motivation Behind Continuous Self-Improvement(11:45) Draft Day Experience(15:21) Receiving $1.2M at the age of 18(17:12) #1 Financial Mistake Athletes Make(19:21) Is St.Louis a Baseball Town?(20:08) The Importance of Proximity in Entrepreneurship(21:01) The Impact of Inputs and Perspective(22:18) Level of Talent in the MLB(24:48) Never Stop Growing(27:50) Do Things That Don't Scale(29:52) What Jacob learned from his roommate, Mike Trout(32:19) The Importance of Delusional Self-Belief(35:16) How You Can Choose to be Confident (38:51) Mental Hurdles as a Pitcher(39:53) What is the Flow State and Why You Need It(45:16) The Importance of Repetition(47:55) The Power of Focus(49:31) How to Know When to Quit(52:38) Should You Set Goals?(54:13) What was Jacob's Goal With Professional Baseball?(56:33) Where It All Went Wrong for Jacob(59:15) Lessons Learned from Playing in the MLB(01:04:31) 70% of Athletes Go Broke Within 3 Years of Retirement(01:07:56) Jacob's Personal Goals for Moment Wealth(01:09:25) Always Make Time for Family(01:13:21) Favorite Baseball Cities and Fan Bases(01:15:37) Jacob's Life AdviceConnect with Jacob Turner:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJacobTurnerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejacob_turner/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJacobTurner/featuredMoment Wealth: https://www.momentprivatewealth.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with Dr. Jesse Morse: a sports and family medicine physician specializing in regenerative medicine. Dr. Morse discusses his personal journey, the responsibility of a sports and family medicine physician, the reactive nature of the healthcare system, regenerative medicine, the impact of genetics on injury proneness, analyzing NFL players' injury history, and the role of sports medicine in enabling longevity in athletes. He also highlights the limitations of traditional medicine and the need to explore non-traditional options. The conversation touches on concussions and the long-term effects of CTE, as well as Aaron Rodgers' injury and recovery. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction and Jesse's Near Death Experience(03:11) Responsibility as a Sports and Family Medicine Physician(07:04) Why Healthcare in the United States is Terrible(11:18) What is PRP and Why It's Beneficial to Athletes (17:19) Why Are Some Athletes More Injury Prone Than Others?(20:23) Why Some Athletes Are Better at Dealing With Injuries (22:41) Compiling the Injury History of Nearly Every NFL Player(28:05) Importance of Injury Histories in Drafting Players(38:48) The Golden Era of Longevity and Advances in Sports Medicine(46:41) A Discussion on Anti-Aging(51:07) Daily Habits for a Longer and Healthier Life(01:00:43) Concussions and CTE(01:05:04) Aaron Rodgers' Injury and Recovery(01:08:58) Life AdviceConnect with Dr. Jesse Morse:Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrJesseMorseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjessemorse/Eternal Vitality Podcast: https://twitter.com/EternalVitPodThe Osteopathic Center: https://theosteocenter.com/The Fantasy Doctors: https://twitter.com/TheFantasyDRSConnect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with Jamy Bechler: author of 5 books, professional speaker, leadership coach, and host of the "Success is a Choice" podcasting network. Before starting his consulting firm, Bechler Leadership, Jamy spent 20 years as a college basketball coach and high school athletic director. Bechler now works with high-level individuals and teams, such as the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks, helping them maximize their potential in the area of leadership, culture, and teamwork. In this episode, Jamy and Nik discuss the importance of choices, the victim mentality, the role of leadership, the impact of distractions, the significance of teammates and culture, the influence of role models, and overcoming challenges. Jamy shares personal stories and examples, such as Tom Brady and Pat Tillman, to illustrate these concepts and emphasizes the importance of hard work, a goal-oriented mindset, and learning from others. He encourages continuous learning and personal growth to become the best version of oneself.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Introduction and Background(05:13) How to defeat victim mentality(13:06) The importance of leadership and a Fred Van Vleet story(24:30) The role of teammates and George Pickens(31:45) What makes CJ Stroud special(32:37) Remembering it's a team game - praising Michigan football(37:18) How Pat Murphy learned from other sports to improve Alabama softball (44:18) Choose your hard(49:24) The story of Two Brothers and how to apply it to life(53:25) Why Kobe Bryant reached the levels he did in the NBA (insane story)(57:10) Should you strive to live a balanced life?(01:03:04) Why Tom Brady's journey is a masterclass in belief(01:06:36) Living by Ideals: The Story of Pat Tillman(01:12:44) Jamy's life adviceConnect with Jamy:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoachBechlerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbechler/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BechlerLeadershipLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamybechlerJamy's Website: https://jamybechler.com/"Success is a Choice" Podcast: https://jamybechler.com/podcastThe Bus Trip Book: https://jamybechler.com/TheBusTrip/The Captain Book: https://jamybechler.com/thecaptainbook/Bulletin Board Book: https://jamybechler.com/bulletinboardbook/Online Leadership Program: https://theleadershipplaybook.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicEmail: [email protected]

In the latest episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with the NFL's first African-American punter: Greg Coleman. Greg shares his journey from the time he was a young boy in Jacksonville, Florida with a dream to play in the NFL to playing for an iconic NFL franchise: the Minnesota Vikings. Greg's journey is filled with disappointment, racism, and adversity but ultimately highlights the importance of resilience and the power of words in overcoming obstacles. This conversation serves to shed light on to one of the greatest success stories the NFL has ever seen.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Introduction & Greg's Jacksonville childhood(18:11) Experiencing racism as a pee-wee football player(19:39) The role of Greg's parents in his own success(27:07) Punts are more important than you think(28:35) Leading with love and prevailing against racism(33:25) Second chances and Greg's journey to the Minnesota Vikings(39:25) Getting up when life knocks you down(41:23) Overcoming adversity & racism in the NFL(45:23) Marquette King(46:59) Racial Slurs and Challenges as an African American Punter(48:19) Coming Together and Being a Light of Hope(52:15) What makes CJ Stroud an incredible leader (a lesson on leadership)(1:02:48) The psychology of punting (inside the mind of Greg Coleman)(1:07:24) A deep dive on kickers and the importance of holders(1:12:02) Greg's life advice and learning to P.U.N.TConnect with Greg:Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregcoleman8Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregcoleman08/Greg's Website: https://gregcoleman8.com/Buy "Punt: Flip the Field": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM5Y62MBConnect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicEmail: [email protected]

In the latest episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with former NBA basketball player: CJ Watson. CJ's first stint in the NBA came with the Golden State Warriors in 2008, where he played for a couple of seasons until he joined the Chicago Bulls in '10. CJ went on to play for a multitude of teams including the: Nets, Pacers, and Orlando Magic until ultimately finishing his professional career in Turkey. CJ played with HoF players like Steph Curry and Derrick Rose and chronicles his journey in this exclusive interview. From humble beginnings in Tennessee to playing against LeBron James and the Miami Heat, CJ's story is one worth listening to. Please enjoy!TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Introductions and the Sacramento Kings(2:18) What is CJ most proud of?(3:15) Where and how CJ's passion for basketball began(4:53) CJ's college experience and setting records(7:42) Playing with Deron Williams and Team USA(9:42) Why you should play basketball for the love of the game(10:10) How the NBA has changed since CJ's playing days(12:23) Why is playing in a game so much more difficult than practice?(15:18) Playing with rookie year Steph Curry and the importance of hard work(17:47) The Rose flu(18:55) The hardest player CJ had to guard(20:13) CJ's draft night story and how to succeed at the highest level(24:16) Do NBA players go out before games?(26:26) The Pacers and Heat rivalry (28:29) Playing for Coach Thibodeau(30:25) CJ's strategy for guarding the KD Warriors(31:41) Making adjustments in the playoffs(33:12) What was CJ's relationship with social media during his career?(36:00) Top 3 players CJ played with and regrets from his time in the league(37:10) Writing children's books, voiceovers, angel investing, and favorite teammates(42:30) CJ's life adviceConnect with CJ:Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quietstorm_32Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quietstorm_32/Quiet Storm Foundation: https://www.quietstormfoundation.org/Children's Books: https://cjpens.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In the latest episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with the former #1 doubles tennis player in the world: Rajeev Ram. Rajeev's resume is impressive: 6 time major champion, 3 straight US Open titles, and doubles silver with Venus Williams at the 2016 Summer Olympics. But even more impressive was the advice he shared on how to live a happier and more fulfilled life. The conversation spans multiple topics including: how to maximize longevity, life lessons from tennis, and an exclusive Venus Williams story.Please enjoy!TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Rajeev's background and introduction (1:18) What are you most proud of?(2:02) Where and how did your love for tennis begin?(3:29) What role should parents play in a young athlete's life?(5:30) The moment Rajeev realized he could make money playing tennis(6:47) The benefits and drawbacks of a coach(10:03) Why Rajeev made the decision to focus solely on doubles tennis(11:51) Brown Sampras(13:22) How Rajeev wants people to remember him(14:34) Where Rajeev's habit of continuous self-improvement stems from(17:53) How to handle self-doubt and build self-confidence(20:41) How to stay motivated and more present in key moments(25:04) The attention to detail required to win at the highest level(28:12) How to develop mental strength and the constant battle with our own thoughts(30:12) How Rajeev deals with negativity during a tennis match(33:23) Rajeev's greatest source of pressure(34:17) Playing with Venus Williams(39:18) The relationships between players on tour(40:56) Life as a public figure(42:13) Highest and lowest moments in Rajeev's career(43:57) How Rajeev has managed to stay on top of his game at the age of 39 - a discussion on longevity (47:14) Rajeev's solution to get American tennis back on top(49:18) The art of sacrifice and is it required?(51:03) Life lessons from tennis(51:58) Rajeev's plans after tennis and the Rajeev Ram Foundation(53:31) Rajeev's routine during the tennis offseason(54:46) Rajeev's life adviceConnect with Rajeev:Twitter: https://twitter.com/RajeevRamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rajeevram318/Rajeev Ram Foundation: https://rajeevramfoundation.org/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In the latest episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with Los Angeles Lakers reporter, Jovan Buha. Jovan graduated from USC in 2014, worked various jobs within ESPN, and then became a NBA reporter for the LA Clippers in 2018. A short 2 years later, Jovan found himself as a reporter for the LA Lakers. Through this role, he's had the opportunity to meet celebrities such as Dan Bilzerian & Migos and has been a guest on popular sports podcasts such as Bill Simmons & Chris Broussard. Please enjoy!TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Jovan's background and introduction (1:47) What has been Jovan's most unbelievable experience(3:41) Jovan's relationship with sports growing up(6:28) Highschool basketball star Jovan Buha(8:53) Jovan details his experience at ESPN(12:56) The do's and don'ts of NBA reporting(17:28) The fine art of the post game interview(22:30) Jovan describes the responsibilities of a NBA reporter(26:17) Is Jovan friends with any of the Lakers players?(30:28) Jovan's favorite moment covering the Lakers & Kobe's last game(34:42) Being on the court for LeBron's record breaking night(37:07) Are NBA reporters allowed to be fans of the teams they cover(41:04) Trying out for the G-League(47:34) The future of sports media & player podcasts (52:34) What has Jovan learned from covering some of the highest performing athletes in the world?(57:09) Jovan's life advice Connect with Jovan:Twitter: https://twitter.com/jovanbuhaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuhaConnect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic