Former NBA Star, Deron Williams opens up about how different his life and career would have gone if he had the knowledge and tools for his mental health, dealing with stress and trauma, and expressing his internal struggles. He talks about the importance of finding that balance in your life to be the best version of yourself - whatever you choose your career or passions to be.
Deron also talks about the difficulties of finding yourself after your career in professional sports but also the equally difficult times while you're still playing. He has a lot of amazing stories and bits of advice for anyone trying to find it within and be the best versions of themselves. Enjoy!

Time stamps:

4:28: Growing up with a single mom and getting into sports
6:56: Importance of playing multiple sports
10:40: Fight night with Frank Gore
14:44: When basketball clicked for him
18:10: Work ethic took me where others more talented couldn’t get to
20:05: Playing in Turkey during the lockout
23:04: Getting Traded from Utah
26:05: First steps for mental health
28:02: If I knew what I know now
32:08: Plant medicine
37:45: Team USA
45:30: Loss of identity leaving the game
53:45: What athletes can start doing now
1:05:00: Build a network that you trust
1:08:45: How to get into the business of designing houses
1:10:10: Rapid fire

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Eric sits down with his wife, Gabrielle, and catches up on life since the summer. They talk about moving back to Vegas, a lot of traveling in between, and Eric’s recent surgery. Eric gives his testimonial of the Now For Later podcast and how it has helped him gain a new perspective on life and his career after sports. He also talks about their excitement as they prepare for a second season of the podcast and are beginning to set dates with new and exciting guests now.

Time stamps

4:30 Knee Injury
12:00 The Parable of The Chinese Farmer
16:30 Perspective Changed Thanks to Podcast
19:55 Singapore with Ignite
28:20 New Season of Podcast
36:10 Other Shows
39:16 Halloween, Baby
42:19 Secret Word for Giveaway


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Susannah Duke, a highly accomplished individual with a background in environmental science and finance, has achieved success through her unwavering dedication to hard work, confidence, and networking. Now working at Pelion Venture Partners as a Principal.

As a former college soccer play she has drawn from her experiences as she transitioned into the finance world, Duke firmly believes in the importance of hard work, confidence, and networking in achieving success. She emphasizes that effort trumps intelligence and that with confidence and competitiveness, one can catch up to anyone.

She also underscores the significance of networking, both within and outside one's existing network, and encourages students and athletes to leverage their time in school to forge valuable connections.

Join Eric Mika and Susannah Duke as they delve deeper into these insights on the next episode of the Now For Later podcast.

Timestamps:
3:09 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Working Mother & Transitioning from College Athlete to Finance Success
7:50 Unexpected Career Path Shaped by College Soccer
17:10 The Power of Authentic Networking for Growth
27:41 Building a Solid Financial Foundation for Athletes

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Ben Patch a is a renowned professional volleyball player, before retiring he spent several years playing across the globe with the U.S. Mens National Team, and for professional teams in Europe. With a long list of accolades which includes twice earning AVCA First Team All-American honors, and helping the U.S. National Team win gold at the 2017 NORCECA Championship.

Ben shares his experience growing up in Tonga as a child and the artistic world view it instilled in him that he carried once he moved to Utah as a teenager. His love of dance drew him initially to volleyball at the age of 15 because it seemed to be like "dancing in the air". Quickly taking to the sport and paving his path towards becoming a professional volleyball player.

Finding solace in ceramics throughout high school Ben's passion for art and design dramatically grew into what is now his career outside of athletics. Involvement in ceramic art, interior architecture/design, Ben is the definition of an artist (although this isn't a term he humbly explained he would dub himself). His diverse range of experiences has shaped his perspective on the factors influencing personal and professional growth in athletes. Patch believes that growth is influenced by self-discovery, overcoming fear of judgment, and the desire to fit in. He suggests that societal expectations can often hinder athletes' personal development, as they feel the need to prioritize their sport above all else. However, Patch emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique qualities and pursuing diverse interests outside of sports, as he believes this holistic approach can lead to personal and professional growth.

Join Eric Mika and Ben Patch as they explore the meaning of finding your true self, discovering your passions, & revisiting stories from their athletic careers.

Timestamps:
1:23 Cultural Shock and Artistic Growth: Ben Patch's Journey
04:03 Embracing Authenticity and Overcoming Fear
7:49 Empowering Management for Athlete Development
10:52 The Unique Pressure of Being a Volleyball Player
15:52 Maximizing Opportunities Through Early School Departure
19:20 The Value of Time in Personal Growth and Athletic Excellence
35:00 Finding Your True Self Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
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Abigail Field is a renowned sports photographer celebrated for her work with the Los Angeles Lakers where she has captured some of the most talked about and important sports moments in recent years.

Beginning with her roots in soccer she decided at a young age not to pursue athletics at a higher level but began leaning into her passion of photography, finding her unique footing capturing incredible moments of other athletes. Abigail discusses how she went from shooting college soccer games to landing a job with the Los Angeles Lakers. Hustling her way to the top of her profession, sending out numerous emails, growing her network, and taking chances others might not. She shares her "Moto" that the worst someone can say is no, & that by pursuing what she was passionate about she created a reality in that her job is something that she would happy consume 24 hours a day.

Passionate about the art of story telling and capturing the emotions of a moment, Abigail shares her experience of photographing Kobe Bryant's Memorial Service, LeBron James breaking the NBA All-Time Scoring Record, & her experiences getting to personally know some of the biggest names in basketball. Her passion for photography is evident in her dedication to her craft, her constant pursuit of inspiration from other photographers, and her commitment to capturing the essence of a game or event. Cherishing the sense of competition and camaraderie that being part of a team brings. Discussing the experience of being a female in a male dominated field, Abigail shares her insights on what it takes to be successful in this field, how she over came imposter syndrome, & what she plans to do next in her future.

Join Eric Mika and his Cousin Abigail Field on this episode of the Now For Later podcast as they delve deeper into the many incredible stories of iconic sport moments that Abby has photographed, along with the story behind her secret handshake with LeBron James.

Timestamps:
4:00 Life Growing Up, Playing Sports, & Finding Photography
8:48 Influences on Abby's Photography 
12:15 The Power of High Quality Media 
16:00 Photography Becoming a Turning Point
19:38 Photography Adventures with the Bucket List Family
21:22 Creating Opportunities Through Networking and Persistence
23:28 Landing a Job as a Lakers Photographer, Navigating the Sports Industry, & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
30:40 What the Basketball World Was Like When Kobe Passed, Capturing those moments
36:55 Photographing LeBron James' Record-Breaking Moment
45:44 Being Prepared, Being Professional, & a Woman in a Male Dominated Field Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
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Abby's Photo of Lebron's Record Breaking Moment⁠
Abby's Reflection Photo

Mykayla Skinner an Olympic Gymnast closed out her professional athletic career with a bang, winning a Silver Metal in Vault at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Intense commitment becoming an Elite Gymnast, having a full time job as a professional athlete by the age of 12.  Missing family vacations, school events, & normal teenage actives all for her Olympic dream. 

Mykayla opens up about the harsh and abusive treatment that she and other elite gymnasts received while training and competing under USA Gymnastics. Recalling experiences at Karolyi Ranch, the Larry Nasser Sexual Assault Scandal,  & evolution within USA Gymnastics for the better.

At 24, she became the oldest U.S. Olympic gymnast since 2004 traveling an unusual path to Olympic Silver.  After qualifying as an alternate for the 2016 Olympic Team, MyKayla departed the world stage to compete for the University of Utah, where she became a 2 time NCAA champion.
Unexpectedly, deciding to leave school in order to pursue her Olympic dreams one last time.  Facing a  year-long extension of training, COVID-induced pneumonia, a bone spur in one heel, & tendonitis leading up to the Olympic stage.

After placing 4th on vault and 11th all-around at the Tokyo preliminaries she was denied to compete in finals due to the two-per-country rule.  Publicly retired from gymnastics the next day,  gaining a second chance when Simone Biles unexpectedly withdrew from the vault competition.

Since retiring MyKayla returned to school graduating with a degree in broadcasting and journalism. Her & her husband  host a candid marriage podcast "Agree to Disagree" along with their ever-growing YouTube channel. The couple recently welcomed their first born, a little girl.

Join Eric and Mykayla on our longest episode to date, as they discuss competing on the largest athletic stages in the world, the insanity that is the sport of gymnastics, and the twists and turns that you face as you work your way to the top.

Timestamps:
4:47  Rigorous and Demanding Journey of Elite Gymnastics Training
16:54 Shift in Discipline and Work Ethic
19:26 Inadequate Care and Oversight in USA Gymnastics
31:41 Controversial Olympic Team Selection Process
33:54 Rio 2016: Unfavorable Training Conditions 
37:12 Mykayla's Journey to Olympic Success
46:51 Tokyo 2020 Initial Disappointment
50:19  Challenge of the Twisties, Stepping in for Simone, & Winning Silver
58:36 Finding Balance: Athletics, Education, and Beyond Following Retirement Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
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Golden: The Journey of USA’s Elite Gymnasts
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Agree to Disagree

Lee Anne Pope, a woman deeply rooted in the world of sports due to her upbringing by renowned college coach Lyn Archibald and marriage to NBA player Mark Pope, has had her fair share of preparing "Now for Later".

As the time came for her to make the decision to either pursue Division 1 Athletics or pivot in her pursuits Lee Anne ultimately knew herself and her "gut" well enough to know that playing volleyball was not something she wanted to continue doing. Transitioning into broadcasting & journalism she interned for Reader’s Digest in New York City, worked at ESPN in Connecticut, and worked for “The Late Show with David Letterman” as Letterman’s personal assistant where among other responsibilities she was in charge of all philanthropic activities.

Another transition in her professional life came with her marriage to NBA Player Mark Pope, where together the two began to prepare for life after the inevitable end of basketball. Keeping all options open they looked into a variety of options including franchising, medical school, law school, and coaching. Having a high capacity of flexibility and following whatever life threw their way. An incredible story of transitions, hard work, and an exceptional view on rolling with the punches. Being grateful for what was and becoming excited for what will be.

Lee Anne has been married to Mark Pope for 24 years. They have moved 12 times while he played professionally  (Pacers, Bucks, Knicks, Nuggets) and coached (Georgia, Wake Forest, BYU, UVU) Mark is now the BYU men’s head basketball coach, with Lee Anne being very involved with the BYU men’s basketball team. Together they have 4 daughters, and are ready at anytime for life to transition them into as Lee Anne says "their 4th and 5th careers".

Join Eric Mika and Lee Anne Pope as they delve deeper into her incredible mindset and whirlwind story of pivoting, finding success, & preparing Now For Later.

Timestamps:
1:44 The transformative power of player-coach relationships
6:08 Big 12: BYU's Thriving in the Top Basketball League
13:00 Deciding to Pivot & Not Pursue Division 1 Athletics
15:15 Broadcasting & Journalism, Working for David Letterman 
22:32 Trusting Your Gut When Making Decisions
26:31 Leveraging Basketball for Future Opportunities
30:12The resilience and success of walk-on athletesConnect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
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Avery Bradley is a renowned NBA player, who has played twelve incredible years in the NBA.  Throughout his career he played for teams such as the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally being recognized as an NBA All-Defensive team member multiple times.

Avery shares his life story sharing the struggles and hardships he faced growing up in a tough area, in a single parent home.  After getting into and attending a school called Bellarmine Prep Avery says his life was "forever changed", and he was "changed as a person". Working extremely hard to earn his place at the school working countless hours, practicing ball, and studying to create the life he wanted for himself. With his greatest driver to be the first person in his family to go to college, and to prove to himself and others that he can be more than anything anyone ever expected. 

Avery talks about his long and impressive career in the NBA, the struggles and highlights throughout. Bradley's perspective on professional life is centered around personal growth and finding fulfillment beyond basketball. His experiences, such as the death of his parents and becoming a father, have shaped his outlook on life and the importance of exploring opportunities outside of basketball. He emphasizes the importance of understanding basketball as a business and encourages young athletes to make connections and reach out to industries they are interested in.

Off the court Bradley has cofounded a clothing company called ROBE that is focused on having a sustainable impact on the fashion industry and to allow athletes to find a form of self expression. He talks about the importance and impact that athletes have in the world and that keeping that in mind he with his co founder created a clothing company for the future of fashion. Connecting fans with athletes by selling and repurposing clothes from closets of top players,  donating 20% of the sales to charity. With an emphasis above all on purpose and giving back.

Join Eric Mika and Avery Bradley on this episode of the Now For Later podcast as they delve deeper into Bradley's journey of personal growth, the power of the NBA, and life beyond basketball.

Timestamps:
7:57 Getting into  Bellarmine Prep
12:55 Basketball's Power to Connect and Create Opportunities
18:26 The Transformative role of Avery Bradley's mom
23:50 Total Transformation 
25:15 The Power of Injury and Recovery, and How to Build a Strong Foundation Beyond Basketball
35:08 ROBE, & the Power of Fashion as a Performance Enhancer for Athletes
40:45 Building a Personal Brand 
53:06 Avery Bradley's Impactful NBA JourneyConnect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
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John Stockton played 19 seasons in the NBA , and was one of the greatest point guards the NBA has ever seen. 10 time NBA All-Star, WCAC Player of the Year, played in 2 Olympic Games, & scored over 19,700 points throughout his career. He is known fondly by fans as the man that sent The Utah Jazz to the NBA Finals with his incredible timer buzzing play.

John joins Eric for not only his first ever podcast interview, but the  first interview he has done in years. Sharing his perspective on life beyond basketball and finding  balance  on and off the court. He emphasizes the need for athletes to explore interests and activities outside of sports, prioritize their physical well-being, and prepare for the potential void that retirement can bring. Highlighting the importance of having a strong foundation and fulfilling activities outside of the game.

John shares stories from his long lasting career in the NBA and how It wasn't until his second contract, that he thought "maybe I am not that bad after all".  Speaking of confidence and the importance of humility and always being prepared for what life will throw your way.

Join Eric Mika and John Stockton on this exclusive episode of the Now For Later podcast as they delve deeper into these topics.

Timestamps:
00:31 Preparing for Life Beyond Basketball: John Stockton's Perspective
06:45 The transformative power of sports on individuals
09:27 The Importance of Multiple Sports in Youth Athletics
14:32 The Rise of John Stockton in Basketball
19:36 The Importance of Preparation and FitnessConnect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
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John doesn't have any socials, or do interviews often. We were so excited to have had him on the show and get this exclusive experience.

Kyle Van Noy, a highly accomplished athlete with two Super Bowl victories under his belt, an ongoing 9 year career in the NFL, and a diverse range of interests and experiences that extend far beyond the football field.

Kyle shares his perspective on success in sports and that the importance of communication is rooted in being well-rounded and prepared for life beyond sports.  Constantly learning and trying new things, Kyle has embarked in dipping his toes in a wide range of skills from flipping homes with his wife to learning and preforming standup comedy.

Describing the down time after his first two years in the NFL when Kyle considered retirement he describes what kept him going and how he got himself out of that headspace to rise up and have an extremely successful long career that's ongoing today. Emphasizing the importance of being knowledgeable and prepared to hold your own in any situation in life, especially professionally in meetings and negotiations.

Eric and Kyle talk about the importance of being genuine in all you do, especially as one goes about networking, learning how to successfully represent oneself, taking pride in who you are, and what you stand for. Join Eric Mika and Kyle Van Noy on this episode of the Now For Later podcast to delve deeper into the advice Kyle gives to those kids who are learning who they are and navigating the winding pursuit of chasing ones dreams.

Timestamps:
00:23 The Power of Authentic Connections
06:23 Rise in Football
09:32 Strategic decisions for success
12:40 Starting the Conversation Early: Advice for Kids Pursuing Sports
15:56 From Disappointment to Super Bowl Success
23:45 The Importance of Specializing and Persevering
33:22 The Power of Genuine Networking 
44:25 Retirement Considerations and Future EndeavorsConnect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
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