Life Beyond the Game

By Joe Hawley

Sports are such a big part of all of our lives. From the big plays to the unforgettable games, they continue to inspire us in unimaginable ways. But what happens to the athletes, the warriors and hero... more

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FAQs about Life Beyond the Game:

How many episodes does Life Beyond the Game have?

The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.

Life Beyond the Game episodes:

December 30, 2020 Centers Talking Ball with Nick Hardwick & Eric Wood
In this special episode we have Nick Hardwick and Eric Wood returning to the show! Joe, Nick, and Eric dive deep into stories and lessons they learned playing at the center position in the NFL.
Nick Hardwick spent 11 years playing at the center position for the San Diego Chargers. During his NFL career, he learned the value of work ethic and dedication and has successfully applied those values to achieve a quality and purposeful life after the game.
Nick is first and foremost a devoted husband to his wife Jayme and father to his two rowdy boys and Tijuana rescue dog. He is now a health and fitness enthusiast, passionate about sharing his health journey in order to positively touch as many lives as possible. He is committed to ongoing learning and passing on his knowledge to the world.
Eric Wood is a former NFL athlete, playing 9 years with the Buffalo Bills.
Eric is now a broadcaster for ESPN/ACC Networks and the Buffalo Bills Radio Network. He is also a keynote speaker for special events and hosts his own podcast, What's Next with Eric Wood.
One of the many ways Eric is bettering the world and his community is through The Eric Wood Fund. He created The Eric Wood Fund specifically to provide support, resources, care, and encouragement to children with chronic illnesses and their families.
In this episode, we discussed:
Which era of the NFL was the most physical and most violent
Stories and mistakes from the NFL and from NFL coaches
Offensive strategies and the many roles that the center position plays
The importance of work ethic and how many players are looked past in the draft
Creating space after leaving sports to figure out who you are and what you’re after
The lessons we can teach our kids as former professional athletes
Dealing with injuries outside of the league and as we get older
The value of recovery and what we wish we knew when we played
The nonsensical practices of the NFL
Connect with Nick
Instagram | @nickhardwick
Facebook | Nick Hardwick
Website | https://hardwick.life/
Connect with Eric
Instagram | @ewood70
Twitter | @EWood70
Website | ericwoodmedia.com
Podcast | What's Next with Eric Wood
Connect with Joe
Website | www.joe-hawley.com
Website | The Härt Collective
LinkedIn | Joe Hawley
Instagram | @joe.hawley
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
1h 43min
December 23, 2020 Cultivating Empathy and Curiosity with Reggie Walker
This week we have Reggie Walker on the show!
Reggie is a former NFL athlete and team captain, playing with the Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. Reggie learned early on that he is capable of accomplishing anything he sets his mind to - he has a unique blend of unbreakable resilience and determination. During his college football career, Reggie never started more than half of a season while also battling anxiety, depression, and abuse. Even with these challenges, he was able to recognize his own abilities and make it to the NFL.
Reggie is now a personal coach, guiding others to find their purpose through their personal growth and business journeys. He’s also a grad student for School and Clinical Counseling and has been featured on TEDx.
You can’t always be given the tools necessary to succeed but you can cultivate them. -Reggie Walker
In this episode, we discussed:
When Reggie first discovered football as a child and his early love for the game
Reggie’s early trauma emerging in college and the difficulties he faced
How his difficult college career prepared him for the NFL
Learning through trial and error and the value of life experience
When Reggie knew it was time to walk away from the game and the initial transition
How treatment and community allowed Reggie to heal
The power of journaling to cultivate emotional intelligence
How the professional sports prepares you for the world
Reggie’s vision for the future and advice for individuals going through transition
The power of empathy
Connect with Reggie
LinkedIn | Reggie Walker
Instagram | @rwalk56
Connect with Joe
Website | www.joe-hawley.com
Website | The Härt Collective
LinkedIn | Joe Hawley
Instagram | @joe.hawley
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
1h 11min
December 16, 2020 Shifting Your Perspective with Mike Adams (Part 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of Mike Adams on Life Beyond the Game! In this episode, we dive into Mike’s transition out of the league and how he has found purpose since walking away from the NFL.
If you haven’t listened to Part 1, you can find that here.
Mike is a former NFL lineman turned Yogi. After playing football for Ohio State University Mike’s football career took him to Pittsburgh for four years where he played for the Steelers before moving onto Chicago to play a year with the Bears.
Through his years of playing, Mike used yoga as a means of training cardio, flexibility, and recovery for football injuries from knee and shoulder surgeries all the way to back surgery. It was after his football career when he began to dive deep into the mental and spiritual limbs of yoga. After feeling the impact of these benefits, Mike decided to become a Yoga teacher. During his first RYT teacher training his knowledge and understanding of yoga expanded and his love for sharing the practice began to take over.
In this episode, we discussed:
When Mike knew it was time to walk away from the game
How Mike cleaned up his diet and dropped from 315 lbs to 240 lbs
How changing your body image so quickly can lead to body dysmorphia
Mike’s journey with yoga and how it brought gratitude into his life
How yoga brought Mike closer to his faith
How Mike’s experience with psychedelics has helped him transition out of football
Finding gratitude no matter your circumstances
Advice for individuals going through a big life transition
Mike’s vision for the future
Connect with Mike:
Instagram | @mike_adams75
Connect with Joe:
Website | www.joe-hawley.com
Website | www.thehartcollective.com
Instagram | @joe.hawley
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
1h 11min
December 09, 2020 The Power of Positivity with Mike Adams (Part 1)
This week we have Mike Adams on the Show!
Mike is a former NFL lineman turned Yogi. After playing football for Ohio State University Mike’s football career took him to Pittsburgh for four years where he played for the Steelers before moving on to Chicago to play a year with the Bears.
Through his years of playing, Mike used yoga as a means of training cardio, flexibility, and recovery for football injuries from knee and shoulder surgeries all the way to back surgery. It was after his football career when he began to dive deep into the mental and spiritual limbs of yoga. After feeling the impact of these benefits, Mike decided to become a Yoga teacher. During his first RYT teacher training his knowledge and understanding of yoga expanded and his love for sharing the practice began to take over.
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we will dive deeper into Mike’s healing journey and transition out of football
In this episode, we discussed:
Mike’s early football journey being a top recruit out of high school
How Mike handled a scandal in college and a failed drug test at the combine
Mike’s career in the NFL
What it’s like playing with people that you grew up watching
An incredible story of Mike being jumped and how he processed the PTSD
Dealing with injuries and how that led to disputes and mistreatments from team trainers
Mike’s transition out of the league and how he has grown as a person
Mike’s journey becoming a Yogi and how that has transformed his life
How to connect with Mike
Connect with Mike:
Instagram | @mike_adams75
Connect with Joe:
Website | www.joe-hawley.com
Website | www.thehartcollective.com
Instagram | @joe.hawley
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
1h 16min
December 02, 2020 Taking Ownership of Your Life with John Parker Wilson
This week we have my friend John Parker Wilson on the show! John Parker is a former collegiate and NFL football player.
John Parker was a three-year starter for Alabama as a quarterback from 2006-08. When his career at Alabama ended, Wilson held every passing record in Alabama school history.
In 2009, John Parker was signed as a free agent and spent the next four years in the NFL playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers.
He currently lives in Birmingham, AL with his wife, Tyler, and two sons, Parks and Peyton. Along with being the color commentator for the University of Alabama, he is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley.
In this episode, we discussed:
John Parker’s early football career
John Parker’s journey making it to the NFL
What it’s like to be a backup after being the starter for your whole career
The trap of the victim-mindset and externalizing our experiences
Learning to adjust with the times while remaining consistent
Patience, comparison, and instant gratification
Creating your own network and finding connections in life
Finding purpose after football and John’s journey in wealth management
Learning and growing through football
John Parker’s vision for the future
Taking ownership of your finances and becoming the CEO of your life
Connect with John Parker
Instagram | @jpwilson4
LinkedIn | John Parker Wilson
Connect with Joe
Website | www.joe-hawley.com
Website | www.thehartcollective.com
Instagram | @joe.hawley
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
55min
November 25, 2020 Trusting the Process with Eric Wood
This week we have Eric Wood on the show!
Eric Wood is a former NFL athlete, playing 9 years with the Buffalo Bills. After the 2017 season, he was diagnosed with a career-ending neck injury. Prior to his diagnosis, Eric had signed a contract extension with the Bills and was the only player on the team to play 100% of the plays.
Eric is now a broadcaster for ESPN/ACC Networks and the Buffalo Bills Radio Network. He is also a keynote speaker for special events and hosts his own podcast, What's Next with Eric Wood.
One of the many ways Eric is bettering the world and his community is through The Eric Wood Fund. He created The Eric Wood Fund specifically to provide support, resources, care, and encouragement to children with chronic illnesses and their families.
In this episode, we discussed:
Favorite Ryan Fitzpatrick stories
Eric’s football journey and injuries sustained in the NFL
How Eric processed the news of his career coming to an end
Transitioning out of football and finding new purpose
How to manage extreme lifestyle changes after football
Goal setting and routine outside of the NFL
The power of writing and gratitude practice
Enjoying the experience of life and questioning our stories
Advice for athletes transitioning out of sports
Trusting where the world is taking us
Tools and works discussed in this episode:
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself - Joe Dispenza
Lone Survivor - Marcus Luttrell
The Boys in the Boat - Daniel James Brown
Outliers - Malcom Gladwell
Connect with Eric
Instagram | @ewood70
Twitter | @EWood70
Website | ericwoodmedia.com
Podcast | What's Next with Eric Wood
Connect with Joe
Website | www.joe-hawley.com
Website | www.thehartcollective.com
Instagram | @joe.hawley
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
1h 3min
November 18, 2020 Re-Telling Our Stories with Ken Ruettgers
This week we have my good friend Ken Ruettgers on the show!
Ken is a former 1st round pick and NFL great of the Green Bay Packers, where he played offensive tackle from 1985 to 1996. In 1989, he was the Packers offensive MVP and was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2014. Ken is one of the most passionate people I’ve met when it comes to helping former players during the transition process and joined the NFL in 2015 as one of their official transition coaches. He has also founded a non-profit in order to help former athletes during their transition.
Ken is an author, teacher and coach with a wealth of experience in business, education and psychology. He has added a ton of value in my life, both personally and professionally. Between his own experience leaving the sport and what he sees as a transition coach, Ken truly understands the unique challenges that former players face on their journeys. During this episode, he provides a ton of advice and value to those who might be struggling.
In this episode, we discussed:
The beginning of Ken’s NFL career
The injuries and surgeries that Ken experienced towards the end of his career and how he knew it was time to walk away
The demands of professional sports and the shame that athletes can experience
The process of re-telling our stories
The stigma around counseling for men
How professional sports prepares you for life
Ken’s journey as a transition coach for athletes
The importance of celebrating and creating a marker for the end of your career
What it was like playing with legendary talent like Brett Favre and how the league has changed over the years
Connect with Joe
www.joe-hawley.com
www.thehartcollective.com
Instagram
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
1h 6min
November 11, 2020 Let Your Soul Smile with Brandon Coleman
This week we have my soul brother, Brandon Coleman on the show!
Brandon is a former NFL athlete, playing as a Wide Receiver for the New Orleans Saints from 2014-2018. He successfully reached the highest level of competition in one of the world’s most visible sports, while teaching our young about the challenges ahead, on and off the field, and making a difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers with Life of Legacy advocacy group. For this achievement, Brandon was awarded by the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable and Andrews Business & Community Alliance for his service as a role model for Prince Georgians everywhere. Brandon was also an accomplished student-athlete, being a part of the Big East All-Academic Tram and Team Captain during his senior year at Rutgers.
After his time in the NFL, Brandon went on to becoming an entrepreneur and Certified Life Coach. He has partnered with Can Be Done, LLC as a brand ambassador for their products, including CBD infused, flavored toothpicks.
In this episode, we discussed:
Brandon’s early career and the emotions that came from not being drafted
The life of the practice squad in the NFL
How Brandon dealt with nerve pain, surgery, and rehab in the NFL
Brandon’s transition out of the NFL and into entrepreneurship
How to move beyond self limiting beliefs
Using your passion and your interests to find your niche in business
Recovery and self-care after a career in the NFL
How we can use meditation to improve our everyday lives
The importance of unplugging and regularly detaching ourselves from social media
Brandon’s vision for the future
Tools and works discussed in this episode:
canbedone.com
Connect with Brandon
Links | https://linktr.ee/SOULCOLE
Instagram | @b_cole16
Instagram | @canbedone_cbd
Connect with Joe
Website | www.joe-hawley.com
Website | www.thehartcollective.com
Instagram | @joe.hawley
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
1h 3min
November 04, 2020 Being Guided By Your Intuition with Kyle Kingsbury
This week we have my good friend Kyle Kingsbury on the podcast!
Kyle is one of the wisest guys I know with a lot to share. He is the proud father of two kids, Bear and Wolf, and a loving husband to Natasha. After playing college football for Arizona State, he went through a challenging transition which eventually led him to a career as a UFC fighter. After his time in the UFC, Kyle became the Director of Human Optimization at Onnit. He also hosts the Kyle Kingsbury Podcast, where he shares his journey surrounding human optimization. If that isn’t enough, Kyle is currently a coach for the Fit For Service Fellowship, started by Aubrey Marcus, where he offers one-on-one coaching within the community.
Kyle is an advocate for plant medicine and psychedelic use for self-discovery and healing. Some would now even consider him a psyche-nut, having at one point eaten 30 grams of mushrooms. He has spent years dedicated to his inner journey and put in the work for his own spiritual and self-development.
In this episode, we discussed:
Kyle’s difficult time in college, his planned suicide attempt, and his first experience with source
His shift into health and wellness and mixed martial arts
How Kyle used breathwork, meditation, and sports psychology in his UFC career
How plant medicines shifted Kyle’s perspective in both sports and life
How our physical bodies can help us tune into feelings of peace and equanimity
How we can use teachings from multiple spiritual traditions to find meaning in our lives
The science behind psychedelics and how we can work with them
Learning to quiet the internal noise
Bringing intention into our lives
Honoring both our conscious masculine and conscious feminine energy
Kyle’s vision for the future
Tools and works discussed in this episode:
Lizard’s Eat Butterfly’s - David Martin
Madness in Crowds - Douglass Murrey
Lessons From the Pain Teacher - Paul Check
The Last Four Doctors You’ll Ever Need - Paul Check
Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari
Cosmic Serpent - Jeremy Narby
Supernatural - Graham Hancock
The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide - James Fadiman
Third Wave Psychedelics Podcast
Soltara
Tim Corcoran’s Soul Wander
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover - Robert Moore & Doug Gillette
The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life - Boyd Varty
The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz
Connect with Kyle:
Podcast | Kyle Kingsbury Podcast
Website | https://www.kingsbu.com/
Instagram | @livingwiththekingsburys
Connect with Joe:
Website | www.joe-hawley.com
Website | www.thehartcollective.com
Instagram | Instagram
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
1h 12min
October 28, 2020 Writing Your Future Story with Nick Hardwick
This week we have my friend Nick Hardwick on the podcast!
Nick is truly one of the most amazing men that I have come in contact with. We have so much in common and are so aligned in our mission. Nick played center for the San Diego Charger for 11 years and he is someone I looked up to during my playing days. He has some incredible stories about his athletic journey and how he has navigated life since retirement. I know you’re going to love this one!
In this episode, we discussed:
Nick’s incredible athletic journey in high school and college
How he knew it was time to walk away from the NFL
How Nick shedded weight so quickly when he stopped playing football
Recalibrating our goals… Checking in with your “why”
The dramatic physiological changes that can take place in the body when your athletic career ends and tools to combat CTE
Finding new meaning and purpose when football is over
Nick’s vision for himself and for the future
Tools and works discussed in this episode:
hardwick.life (Use code hawley20 at checkout)
Finding Center Podcast
Connect with Nick
Instagram | @nickhardwick
Facebook | Nick Hardwick
Website | https://hardwick.life/
Connect with Joe
www.joe-hawley.com
www.thehartcollective.com
Instagram
Sign up for My Newsletter Here
Check out Joe’s other Podcast Quantum Coffee, where he brings on guests to discuss the unanswerable questions of the Universe
If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts
...more
1h 10min

FAQs about Life Beyond the Game:

How many episodes does Life Beyond the Game have?

The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.