Life Beyond Labels

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey welcomes one of her best friends, Sydney Staples. Sydney is a former Division I soccer player and sports reporter who shares lessons from college athletics, what it's really like working in sports media, and the experiences that have shaped who she is today. But the conversation goes far beyond sports as they talk about what makes a great conversation, how to ask better questions, and the importance of continuing to learn about the people closest to you. You're invited into a conversation that feels much less like an interview and much more like two best friends catching up, laughing, and having the kind of deep talks we all need more of.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Sydney Staples
04:14 Growing Up as Sydney
05:03 Lessons from College Soccer
09:11 What College Taught Her Beyond the Game
15:24 Chasing Big Goals Without Missing Life
20:16 Becoming a Sports Reporter
24:00 Staying Authentic On and Off Camera
28:29 Building Confidence Behind the Mic
29:15 Breaking the Ice with Athletes
39:06 Creating Conversations That Matter
45:57 Asking Better Questions
49:44 Finding Your Voice Through Public Speaking
59:41 Why the Best Conversations Flow Naturally
01:07:29 The Hidden Value of Small Talk
01:16:09 The Strength in Being Vulnerable
01:25:25 Turning Common Ground into Connection
01:26:47 Staying Curious in Relationships
01:30:23 Showing Up for Family and Friends
01:40:37 Social Media vs. Real Life
01:46:47 Looking Back on Growth

Call to Action

Ask someone in your life a question you've never asked before! Be curious about the people you love, rate Life Beyond Labels on Spotify or Apple podcasts, and follow Sydney Staples to keep up with her journey.

Where to Find Sydney Staples:
Instagram: @sydneystaples | TikTok: @SydStaples

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

 Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is produced by QuietLoud Studios and featured on SportsE Media
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey welcomes her twin brother, Michael (whom Kelsey refers to as "Macaw") for a conversation that only twins can have. Together, they reflect on growing up side by side, the teachers and mentors who shaped them, and the unique bond they share. Michael also takes listeners behind the scenes of his career at ESPN, sharing stories about sports, storytelling, and the people who make it all meaningful. Filled with humor, curiosity, and sibling banter, this episode is a reminder to always be curious about the people you care about. 

Chapters

02:54 Finding It Hard to Recognize Our Own Unique Qualities
05:17 Humor and Hard Work
11:10 Michael Becoming a Performer
14:11 Finding the Confidence to Sing
17:02 Support Systems and Encouragement
25:29 The Impact of a Single Teacher
26:10 Finding Direction in Education
27:13 Sports Analytics
27:59 Planning for Success
29:38 Routine, Spontaneity, and Sibling Comparison
32:37 Navigating Work-Life Balance
35:13 Behind the Scenes at ESPN
42:02 Human Interest Stories in Sports
45:41 The Little League World Series
50:28 Building Rapport with Athletes
51:57 Going Beyond the Stats
53:18 Desiring More Free Time
59:03 Shared Experiences as Twins
01:04:15 Recognizing the Unique Qualities in Others (Shoutout Chloe)
01:11:18 The Importance of Kindness and Positivity

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow, rate, and share Life Beyond Labels. 

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

 Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is produced by QuietLoud Studios and featured on SportsE Media
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this special episode of Life Beyond Labels, Steve Whitsitt returns to the show, but this time he is asking the questions. Kelsey steps to the other side of the mic to share the experiences that shaped her journey, from growing up in competitive sports to navigating setbacks, identity, and life after athletics.

Together, they reflect on the challenges that led Kelsey to medically retire after multiple concussions, the lessons she learned through recovery, and how those experiences ultimately led her to become a professional speaker. It is an honest conversation about resilience, personal growth, and the power of sharing your story with intention.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and reverse interview
01:45 Growing up in competitive sports
05:49 Overcoming a toxic team
09:42 Finding Meaning in Adversity
11:31 Influential Figures and Early Heroes
16:13 The Unique Experience of Being a Twin
18:53 Identity and Labels in Life
29:44 The Concussion and Its Impact
32:25 The Impact of Multiple Concussions
36:02 Navigating Medical Oversight and Decisions
39:52 The Emotional Toll of Injury and Retirement
47:28 Competitive Environments
53:01 Measuring Recovery and Progress
59:41 The Journey to the Commencement Speech
01:04:16 Crafting a Viral Commencement Speech
01:06:18 Becoming a Professional Speaker
01:09:47 Navigating Social Media
01:18:40 Kelsey’s Personal Philosophy

Call to Action

If this conversation resonated with you, be sure to follow, rate, and share Life Beyond Labels with someone who could use the reminder that they are more than their labels.

Where to Find Steve

Website:https://www.spwhitsittphoto.com/

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

 Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is produced by QuietLoud Studios and featured on SportsE Media
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with entrepreneur, gym design expert, trainer, and overall top-tier human, John Damon, to explore what it truly means to pursue excellence in every area of life. From his journey of leaving a traditional career path to building high-performance gyms and training elite clients, John shares how intentionality, courage, and consistency have shaped both his success and his perspective on life.

John dives into his core philosophies, including choosing excellence over significance, adopting a “Team Show Up” mentality, and living by the principle of “love and good information.” He also unpacks the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, setting high standards, and having the courage to go all in on your goals.

Whether you're striving to level up in your career, relationships, or personal growth, this episode offers powerful mindset shifts and practical insights to help you show up, stay resilient, and build a life aligned with your highest standards.

What to Expect:

• Excellence > Significance: Excellence matters more than status or recognition.
• Showing up is the foundation of success in life and relationships.
• Saying “yes” can open doors you didn’t know existed.
• Growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone.
• The people you invite onto your “bus” shapes your life.
• “Love and good information” are essential for making better decisions.
• Mental toughness comes from knowing challenges are temporary.
• High standards create extraordinary results.
• Courage is built through preparation and action.
• The best individuals and teams are great problem solvers.

Call to Action:
Connect with John and explore his work in fitness, performance, and gym design, plus reflect on where you can start showing up more intentionally in your own life.

Where to Find John:
Website: johndamon.com
Instagram: @johndamon | @thecavebyjohndamon
YouTube: @thejohndamon
TikTok: @thejohndamon

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.com

 Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios production
• Featured on SportsE Media
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey talks with Dr. Scott Lynch, a former Director of Athletic Medicine at Penn State, who shares his story of advocating for athlete safety. Dr. Lynch discusses the challenges he faced in prioritizing player health over coaching pressures and the systemic issues in college sports. He emphasizes the importance of speaking up against unethical practices and proposes solutions for better athlete care, including independent oversight in sports medicine. This conversation highlights the need for a cultural shift in how athletes are viewed and treated, advocating for the prioritization of their well-being and safety.

What to Expect:

• Lynch’s journey from being an elite Penn State wrestler, studying engineering, to pursuing medicine.
• Lynch emphasizes the importance of prioritizing athlete health over winning.
• There are solutions (such as third-party oversight) possible to create change.
• Lynch encourages players to speak up about their experiences.
• The conversation highlights the need for cultural change in college sports.
• Kelsey also shares her own experience with poor coaching behaviors, and they discuss how to move forward.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Scott Lynch

02:09 Journey from Wrestling to Medicine

06:21 Becoming Director of Athletic Medicine

12:40 Challenges and Pressures in Medical Decisions

25:04 Proposed Solutions for Athlete Safety

34:23 The Future of College Sports and Player Rights

35:37 Viewing Athletes as People: A Cultural Shift

38:54 Navigating Injury and Pressure in Youth Sports

44:06 The Decision to Pursue Legal Action

54:34 The Importance of Speaking Up

Call to Action: If you are an athlete witnessing or experiencing some of these issues, talk to someone you trust and don’t be afraid to speak up.

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

 Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is produced by QuietLoud Studios and featured on SportsE Media
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with photographer Steve Whitsitt, who shares how his shyness inspired him to challenge himself and pursue photography as a way to connect with others. Steve reflects on his time in the military, the path that brought him into photography, and the personal growth he’s experienced along the way. Though he is often recognized for photographing icons like Michael and Janet Jackson, as well as major events like Woodstock and Lollapalooza, his story extends far beyond his work with celebrities. Steve emphasizes the importance of connection, authenticity, and self-acceptance in both art and life. Together, he and Kelsey explore the value of being present, building meaningful connections, and finding deeper fulfillment through serving others.

What to Expect:

• Photography as a vehicle for connection.
• Self-acceptance is the foundation for genuine relationships.
• Remembering that everything in life, including success, is temporary.
• How authenticity disarms others and fosters trust.
• We are defined by who we are, not what we do.
• The richness of intergenerational relationships.
• Embracing the past for the lessons it provides.
• What to say when you don’t know what to say.
• How volunteering can provide purpose during transitions.

Call to Action: Challenge yourself to connect with people, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. Curiosity creates connection!

Where to Find Steve: 

Website: https://www.spwhitsittphoto.com/

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.com

Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is produced by QuietLoud Studios and featured on SportsE Media.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with Brenda K. Reynolds—international coach, TEDx speaker, and author—about navigating major life transitions and building resilience in uncertain times. Brenda shares how various life events (an unexpected divorce, the 2008 financial crisis, sending children off the college, and others) were the catalyst for her work on “transition fog.” She shares how she learned to move forward when there was no clear roadmap, and how those experiences shaped her approach to helping others through change. Brenda also talks about her new transformational journal, 5 FROGS, which outlines the stages we go through during periods of transition and growth.

Whether you're facing a career shift, personal change, or simply feeling stuck in the unknown, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to help you move through it with clarity and confidence.

What to Expect in '5 FROGS: Brenda K. Reynolds on Navigating Life Transition Fog':

• Everyone experiences 'now what' moments in life.
• Sometimes, we just need our low beams to see what’s right in front of us.
• We can borrow confidence from others during tough times.
• Life is not linear; we leap back and forth through stages.
• Behind every “now what” is a “why not”.
• Our words can change the trajectory of someone's life.

Call to Action: Listen to Brenda’s TEDX Talk and look up her 5 FROGS transformational journal!

Where to Find Brenda:
Website: https://www.brendakreynolds.com/
Socials: @brendakreynolds

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.com

Credits:

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios podcast and featured on SportsE Media.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with Tom Smalley, MS, CMPC, for a candid conversation about mental health, OCD, and turning pain into purpose. Tom opens up about his diagnosis with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the impact it’s had on his life, including a time when he faced a toxic environment and bullying from coaches. Tom shares how he took that struggle and turned it into strength: launching his own mental performance coaching practice, pursuing Olympic weightlifting, and becoming a successful speaker and advocate. Kelsey and Tom also dive into topics like therapy, faith, speaking, and people who have inspired them. If you're looking for real talk about mental health, resilience, and finding strength in your story, this one’s for you.

What to Expect:

This episode contains sensitive content including the mentioning of suicidal thoughts and mental health challenges. If you or someone you know are experiencing mental health challenges, please call the 988 Crisis Hotline or seek individual services from a professional. 

• What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? 
• The benefits and challenges of therapy 
• Turning struggle into strength
• How to keep a “North Star” during challenging times 
• Navigating toxic environments
• Becoming a speaker and advocate 
• Why it is important to tell our stories 

Call to Action: Learn more about OCD at https://iocdf.org/

Where to Find Tom: 

Website: https://www.struggleintostrength.com/ 

Socials: @s2sfof

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.com

Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios production. Featured on SportsE Media. 
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the individuals in this episode are individual opinions and do not reflect the opinions of the International OCD Foundation or their respective professions. This content does not replace therapy or mental health services. 

In this deeply heartfelt episode of Life Beyond Labels, host Kelsey O’Connor sits down with longtime family friend, Michele Doty. Michele shares how her world shifted when she was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, but how she continues to show up with honesty, gratitude, and joy. Rather than being defined by her diagnosis, she talks about holding onto her identity, finding meaning (and movement) in each day, and more about who she is as a loving mother, business owner, and radiant human being.

What to Expect in 'A Sunshine State of Mind':

• It is important to find our choices within situations that feel so far out of our control.
• Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring the negative feelings or hard days, it just means doing your best to choose to see the good as much as possible.
• It can be helpful to have safe conversations with loved ones, who may have a diagnosis
• or illness, about how they want to be helped. It is important to remember that their identity goes beyond their struggles and respect their autonomy.
• If you are able to move or exercise, it can be extremely helpful for mental health.

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.com

Credits:

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios podcast. And Featured on SportsE Media. 
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

Just because it ended differently than you expected doesn’t mean you failed. In this episode, we’re diving into navigating unexpected endings, especially when the ending feels like a failure. It’s hard to talk about what happens when the door shuts on a dream, goal, career, or relationship. What happens when you’ve done everything you can, but there’s no more pushing to be done? There is shame that can come with perceived failure, but this episode talks about radical acceptance and believing in the meaning of the journey, even when we don’t see it yet. With resilience, faith, and patience, every ending has the potential to lead to a full-circle moment just around the corner.

What to Expect:

• Just because it ended differently than you expected, doesn’t mean you failed. 
• Just because it ended differently than you expected, doesn’t mean it was a waste of time. 
• Your full circle moment is possible and on the way. 
• Radical acceptance can help in moving forward after setbacks.
• Believe that there is meaning in your experience. 

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.com

Credits:

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic