Episode #128 of the Athletor Podcast features Kellen Russell, Associate Head Coach at Cornell University. Kellen sits down with Mike Mal to talk through his coaching journey, what it’s like leading one of the top wrestling programs in the country, and how the evolving NCAA landscape is affecting the sport. From navigating recruiting challenges to building culture in a high-performance room, Kellen shares valuable insight into what makes a championship-level program thrive.

They also dig into the details of developing young athletes, coaching philosophies that go beyond the mat, and what sets Cornell apart in the Ivy League and nationally. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers a rare look into the mindset behind one of college wrestling’s sharpest minds.

On this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by two-time NCAA Champion Jordan Oliver, a name that’s echoed across wrestling’s Mount Rushmore conversations. Jordan dives deep into his journey through collegiate and freestyle wrestling, reflecting on the mindset, struggles, and breakthroughs that defined his legendary career. From being immortalized by peers like Mario Mason to discussing what separates the greats from the elite, this conversation is as real and raw as the sport itself.

Whether you're an aspiring wrestler or a fan of greatness, Jordan brings perspective, humility, and intensity that speaks volumes. Tune in for stories you’ve never heard, insights you didn’t expect, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a champion who continues to inspire generations.

In episode 126 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Luke Becker, Head Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota. Becker shares what life looks like during the off-season, including how he balances recruiting, summer training, and catching a few waves behind a boat. From Big Ten battles to bonding with athletes, Becker opens up about his coaching philosophy and the Gophers’ mindset heading into the season.

We also dive into his thoughts on building relationships with athletes, staying grounded through decades of experience in the sport, and why he’s still hungry to help push Minnesota Wrestling forward.

In episode 126 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Luke Becker, Head Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota. Becker shares what life looks like during the off-season, including how he balances recruiting, summer training, and catching a few waves behind a boat. From Big Ten battles to bonding with athletes, Becker opens up about his coaching philosophy and the Gophers’ mindset heading into the season.

We also dive into his thoughts on building relationships with athletes, staying grounded through decades of experience in the sport, and why he’s still hungry to help push Minnesota Wrestling forward.

Bellarmine Head Coach Ned Shuck joins the Athletor Podcast to talk about the challenges and mindset behind building a Division I program from the ground up. From leaving West Point to leading Bellarmine’s young squad, Shuck shares what it’s like to build a culture, navigate NCAA wrestling’s evolving landscape, and fight for relevance in a resource-limited environment.

We also dig into what motivates him, how he’s developed leadership from day one, and why creating belief and identity in a new team matters more than anything else.

Episode 124 of the Athletor Podcast features Zach Tanelli, Associate Head Coach at Virginia Tech. In this conversation, Zach reflects on his transition from head coach at an Ivy League school to joining the Hokies program, and why that move made perfect sense inside the wrestling world. He opens up about his mindset, growth as a coach, and how family, culture, and competitive alignment all played a role.

We also get into how high-level decisions shape a career, what young athletes should look for in a college program, and how building trust and relationships off the mat often matters just as much as winning on it.

In Episode 123 of the Athletor Podcast, Mike Mal sits down with Mario Mason—former wrestling standout and founder of Shot Docs. From dominating on the mat at Fargo to carving out a business in the media space, Mario shares how he transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur. They dive into the lessons wrestling taught him about resilience, branding, and building something that lasts beyond competition.

Whether you're an athlete thinking about life after sports or a creative looking to find your lane, this conversation is packed with insights on staying true to your roots while leveling up.

In episode 122 of the Athletor Podcast, Cal Poly Head Coach Joe Sioredas returns to talk about the current landscape of NCAA wrestling and what it takes to survive in it. Joe breaks down how the same powerhouse programs still dominate, but the rules of engagement have shifted. From NIL to transfer culture, he shares why “you adapt or you die” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s the reality of staying competitive.

Joe also dives into the emotional toll of developing overlooked athletes into All-Americans, only to lose them late in their careers. He talks about the importance of having conversations with athletes, why honor still matters, and how resources dictate results. From fundraising to roster integrity, this episode is a real look at the behind-the-scenes battles college coaches are facing today.

In episode 121 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Chuck Kearney, Head Coach at the University of Saint Mary, to explore the evolution of wrestling through his unique lens—from his roots in Pendleton, Oregon, to building programs at the NAIA level. Chuck reflects on his time at Oregon State, where the structure of practice was almost academic in its discipline, and contrasts that with the flexibility and challenges of coaching in today’s collegiate landscape.

We dig into the growing concerns around roster limits, shrinking opportunities for athletes, and the shifting value of scholarships vs. NIL. Chuck doesn’t hold back on what he sees as threats to the sport’s future—and how programs like his are adapting. We wrap with rapid-fire takes on wrestling shoes, book recs, and who makes Chuck’s all-time Mount Rushmore.

In Episode 120 of the Athletor Podcast, Nebraska Associate Head Coach Bryan Snyder joins us to break down how the Huskers are navigating NIL, the transfer portal, and athlete development on their own terms. From building a system that rewards growth to defining what “the right guy” really looks like, Bryan gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Nebraska is setting a new standard.

We talk about what makes a recruit stand out, the structure behind individual athlete plans, and why rest might be one of the toughest decisions in high-level wrestling. This one’s all about building sustainable success—from the ground up.