Beyond The Lines

In Episode #66, I have a truthful and impactful discussion with Brandon Copeland a.ka. 'Midwest Kong.' Midwest Kong is known for his impressive performances in the bench press that you can find all over YouTube and his Instagram page. Midwest Kong has multiple impressive performances bench pressing 225lbs., 315lbs. and 405lbs. But, there's more to Midwest Kong than his strength, power and notoriety. During the discussion, Midwest Kong shares his childhood athletic experience. He also shares who his favorite team was and the athlete that idolized. Midwest Kong also brings us into what his childhood illness was, the "hurdle" that he had to conquer as an elementary school kid and who were the people that influenced and raised him.  He goes in-depth about the trials and tribulations he faced growing up and the different paths that he traveled that ultimately brought him to this juncture in his life. Midwest Kong offers great advice to young kids who may dealing with their own trials and tribulations as well as trying to find their place in life. In the end, I offer my '3 Takeaways. 

Midwest Kong's story is one of turmoil and triumph. His experiences, albeit not ideal, led him to many opportunities that were unforseen. Listen in to his compelling story.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care. 

Support the show

In Episode #65, I have an entertaining and thoughtful discussion with Preston . Preston, who lives in Texas, was a Marvel, DC and tv show stuntman for 20 years before injuries caused him to give up that career. He eventually settled on pursuing a Doctoral degree in Sports Psychology. As a former high school standout basketball star, Preston understands what athletes go through mentally-whether it's injury or performance based.  During the interview, Preston shares his experience as stuntman and what lead up to him becoming a stuntman. Preston goes on to share his love of basketball and who his favorite athlete was growing up. We discuss what causes some athletes to not perform up to their potential or capabilities and ways to correct that.
Finally, Preston offers his advice to young athletes who maybe struggling to perform at their best in their particular sport. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways' for all athletes.

Please listen in to this inspiring and informative interview.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #64, I have a very candid and informative conversation with Sam, a twenty year old from Indiana. Same shares, in detail, when he was diagnosed with Autism, how he felt at the time and what life has been like living with Autism.  He spells out what his school-age years were like and how he was treated by his classmates and those in his neighborhood. The conversation turns to the myths and misconceptions about those with Autism and how Sam handled those situations. Sam sheds some light on exactly what the Autism Spectrum is, where he's at on the spectrum and his honest thoughts about the spectrum. Finally, Sam offers his advice to kids who have Autism and what parents can do to help their autistic children thrive. In the end, I offer my '3 Takeaways.'

Please listen in to this very honest conversation.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #63, I have a very informative discussion with, Adolescent Endocrinologist and the CEO and Co-Founder of the Endocrine Co., Dr. Pauley.  We discuss what Type 1 diabetes is and how kids are susceptible to having it. Dr. Pauley explains the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and how they both can be treated. Through her knowledge and expertise, Dr. Pauley explains, in a very comprehensible way, what is happening in our bodies that causes diabetes. Dr. Pauley shares the various ways in which families can help adolescents cope with having Type 1, also what athletes can and should do when it comes to playing sports and making sure their diabetes is under control. Dr. Pauley also shares what the future holds for a possible diabetes cure. In the end, Dr. Pauley shares her thoughtful advice for families who are dealing with diabetes. Listen in to Dr. Pauley's insightful information.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care

Support the show

In Episode #62 and the fifth installment of the Spotlight Series, I have a discussion with sophomore QB Jordan. Jordan shares what got him interested in playing football and what drew him to the QB position. Jordan talks about the tenuous QB/Offensive Coordinator relationship. He shares what his relationship is like with his O.C. and how he handles those stressful moments between them. Jordan lets us in on who his favorite QB is and why he likes that QB. Jordan also shares some insight into what he likes as a QB with our "Fill in the blank" segment. In the end, Jordan offers great advice to any young kid who is considering playing the QB position. Listen in to hear Jordan's great interview.

As always, thanks for listening. Take Care

Support the show

In Episode #61, I have an in-depth discussion with former Israeli Junior Olympic Judo Team Member Eran Hafner. Eran shares the unforgettable experience that catapulted him into trying Judo. As he improves and starts to win tournaments and championships in Judo, Eran decides to tryout for the Junior Olympic team. Eran would go on to make the Junior Olympic Judo Team for his country of Israel, but, due to a tragedy, Eran would never get the chance to participate in the Olympics. We discuss that tragedy and how he was able to turn that misfortune into triumph. Eran opens up about what his life has become because of that tragedy and what  he uses that experience for today. He shares his life's focus and passion. In the end, Eran offers great advice for any and everyone who will go through adversity and/or tragedy.
Listen in as Eran shares his compelling story.

As always, thanks for listening. Take Care

Support the show

In Episode #60, I have a discussion with 10 year Ansley. Ansley talks about what got her interested in gymnastics , what she likes most about the sport and one thing she doesn't like about it gymnastics. We discuss the difficulty in performing on different apparatuses and how she handles it. Ansley shares what her favorite and least favorite apparatus is. Later in the discussion, Ansley reveals who her favorite gymnast is and which college gymnastic program she likes the most. In the end, Ansley offers her advice to any young girl who is considering getting into the sport.

Thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #59, I have a discussion with 12 year old hockey player, Liam. We talk about hockey, but more specifically his position as a Right Defenseman. First, Liam shares how long he's been playing hockey and what got him interested. Liam also discusses what he likes about playing hockey and what things he doesn't like about playing Right Defenseman. He further explains the basics of hockey and the best way for non-hockey fans to understand the sport. Liam discusses then skill set a player must have in order to play hockey and the best way to learn to actually play the sport. Liam shares who his favorite player and team is, and the one player that he would love to spend a week with learning all about hockey. In the end, Liam offers his advice to any young kid who's considering playing hockey.

Thanks for listening. Take Care

Support the show

In Episode #58, I discuss the Right Back position with 12 year old soccer player Bryson. Bryson talks about what got him interested in playing soccer and how he became to enjoy it. Bryson discusses what he likes and dislikes about soccer. In regard to his specific position of Right Back, Bryson shares what he finds easy and difficult about the position. He talks about his versatility to be able to play offensive positions as well.  Bryson reveals who his favorite soccer player and team is. In the end, Bryson offers his advice to any young kids considering playing defense in soccer.

Support the show

In Episode #57, I discuss defense in lacrosse with Kamryn, a high school lacrosse player from Maryland. First, we cover what got her interested in lacrosse. Then we discuss the differences between Club and High School lacrosse. We then delve into what it's like being a defender in lacrosse, what skillsets you need to play defense and what's the most important part about playing defense. Kamryn goes on to talk about who her favorite lacrosse players are and which college program she likes the most.
In the end, Kamryn offers great advice to any young girl that may be interested in playing lacrosse.
  

Support the show