ChompCast Podcast

What separates good tennis players from great ones?

In this episode of ChompCast, University of Florida men’s tennis junior Henry Jefferson breaks down the realities of competing in the SEC, from the physical grind of long matches to the mental discipline required to close out tight points. But beyond tennis, Henry explains how the habits that win matches—preparation, consistency, emotional control, and resilience—show up in everyday life.

Henry shares how collegiate tennis differs from junior and international competition, what match-day preparation really looks like, and why learning to stay composed under pressure matters just as much in school, careers, and relationships as it does on the court.

This episode dives deep into the mindset behind high performance, and why the same skills that separate great athletes from good ones can help anyone perform better when the stakes are high.

In this powerful episode of ChompCast, we sit down with John Walsh, COO & CFO of VOSS Water, whose journey to the top of a global luxury brand began with something few executives ever experience: homelessness.

John shares how he went from having nothing to helping lead one of the most recognizable premium water brands in the world. We talk about resilience, discipline, financial strategy, and what it really takes to rise through adversity and build a career at the highest level. From global operations at VOSS to the mindset that carried him through his toughest moments, this episode is a masterclass in both business and perseverance.

Kristen Soltis Anderson is a University of Florida alumna and one of the country’s leading political data strategists. She’s a Fox News and CNN political analyst, New York Times opinion writer, bestselling author, and founding partner of the polling and analytics firm Echelon Insights.

On this episode of ChompCast, Kristen breaks down how modern campaigns use data, why young and independent voters are reshaping elections, what the media often gets wrong about public opinion, and how political power is really built in America today, with insight straight from a true Gator in the room where it happens.

Ari Luxenberg didn’t start out knowing he’d become one of television’s top business affairs executives. But the path from his UF days to senior leadership at top television studios is packed with stories, strategy, and real advice for anyone curious about entertainment.

On this episode of ChompCast, Ari breaks down how he built his career, what it’s really like to negotiate for hit series like Jack Ryan and The Haunting of Hill House, and why understanding people matters just as much as understanding contracts. It’s a grounded, honest conversation about success, persistence, and finding your place in an industry that rarely slows down.

Decorated Air Force veteran, UF alumnus, community leader, and Florida House District 67 candidate Will Atkins joins ChompCast for a powerful conversation on service, discipline, and purpose-driven leadership.

From his years in the military to organizing on a presidential campaign and serving on the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce board, Will shares the experiences that shaped his mission, and the values he believes young leaders need today.

This episode dives into public service, resilience, and the mindset required to fight any battle. You won't want to miss it!

On this week’s ChompCast episode, we sit down with legendary Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier to talk about what it really means to lead Florida football. From the culture he built in Gainesville to the expectations that come with wearing the headset at UF, Spurrier reflects on the highs, the pressure, and what defines a great coach here.

Listen for stories from his career, his take on what makes this program special, and the standard he believes will continue to guide the Gators forward.

UF alumnus and NVIDIA co-founder Chris Malachowsky returns to ChompCast for a bonus follow-up conversation to dig deeper into HiPerGator, UF’s world-class AI supercomputing system. In this short episode, Chris explains how NVIDIA’s partnership with UF is fueling research breakthroughs, expanding student access to emerging technologies, and redefining what’s possible on campus. A quick, powerful look at how UF is becoming a national AI leader, and why it matters for every Gator.

Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party and former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, joins ChompCast for a candid conversation on leadership, the future of Florida politics, and why young voices matter. We discuss her journey from the University of Florida to statewide office, the issues shaping our generation, and what it takes to make change at every level of public life.

In this episode of ChompCast, the team sits down with David Capablanca — University of Florida alum, short seller, educator, and host of The Friendly Bear Podcast — to unpack how curiosity, resilience, and creativity shaped his unconventional career path.

From earning his architecture degree at UF and studying under Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne at UCLA, to becoming a verified 7-figure trader featured by Forbes, Nasdaq, and Business Insider, David’s story is one of constant reinvention. He shares how the precision of design influences his approach to markets, what inspired him to create The Friendly Bear Podcast as a space for transparent market discourse, and how mastering your mindset can redefine success across any field.

Whether you’re a student exploring your next move or a professional seeking insight into the intersection of finance, creativity, and discipline — this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Link to David's Book Pre-Order: Click Here!

He’s been a congressman, a leader in college sports, a US Army Captain, and is now the President and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). Join us as Tom Rooney talks about his multifaceted journey from UF to Capitol Hill, and what it means to lead with purpose and embrace the pivot.