Aidan Robbins is a current running back for BYU who transferred from UNLV.   Ranked the No. 12 overall prospect in Kentucky and No. 55 running back in the nation (247sports) out of high school, Led UNLV in rushing with 209 carries for 1,011 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022, & Averaged 4.8 yards per carry, while also catching 23 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown in 2022.

Originally from Louisville, Aidan talks about his journey in football, with a strong emphasis on personal growth, and the importance of listening to those who have already achieved success in the sport, such as NFL players and his father.

He firmly believes in the significance of paying attention to details and setting oneself apart from others in order to achieve success, going above and beyond what is expected. Aiden explains that football is a business and that making smart decisions and networking are crucial for longevity and success.

Appreciating the knowledge and experiences passed down to him by his father and uses them as guidance in his own career as he chases his NFL dream.

Join Eric Mika and Aiden Robbins on this episode of the Now For Later to learn more about Aidan's past and upcoming football career, and hear them debate which sport is easier... football or basketball?  

Timestamps:
1:56 Family and Warning of Lake Larnier  
6:02 Journey to Football  
8:17 Family Guidance and Football Lessons  
9:33 Father's Influence and Advice about  Football 
20:31  Perseverance in College Football 23:30 Believing in Oneself and Overcoming Adversity 
25:26 Achievements Beyond Athletics 
31:36 The Power of Networking
 35:48 The Value of Mentorship and NIL DealsConnect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
Now for Later YouTube (To See Full interviews!)
⁠⁠⁠⁠Now For Later Instagram
⁠⁠⁠⁠Now For Later TikTok
⁠⁠⁠⁠Now For Later Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠
Now For Later Apple⁠⁠ 

Connect With Aidan ⁠
Instagram
⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠

Pooh Jeter is a renowned basketball player, celebrated for his journey of overcoming obstacles and achieving success. A University of Portland alumnus, Jeter's career is a testament to his resilience, determination, and strong belief in God. His unique perspective on success is rooted in his faith and the importance he places on not letting others' opinions define him. Jeter credits his success to his mindset of knowing that if God is with him, no one can stand against him. He also underscores the significance of mentors and learning from others, even if they are not physically present in your life. His journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and seeking knowledge and guidance from those who have experienced similar challenges. Join Eric and Pooh Jeter on this episode of the Now For Later podcast to delve deeper into his inspiring journey.

Timestamps:
6:50 Growing and Heart 
11:22 Going Undrafted and Professional Career
19:11 D League and All-Star Performance
21:06 Transitioning off the Court
27:29 Word of Mouth Marketing / Importance of Networking
32:04 Entrepreneurship
39:01 Financial Literacy and Educating Yourself Through the Internet
43:15 Overcoming Roadblocks
Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
⁠Now for Later YouTube (To See Full interviews!)
⁠⁠Now For Later Instagram
⁠⁠Now For Later TikTok
⁠⁠Now For Later Spotify⁠⁠
Now For Later Apple⁠ 

Connect With Pooh
Instagram
Twitter 

Eric Mika sits down with producer Caz for a life update while he is currently traveling with Team USA for the Worlds Cup

Eric shares his experiences with the team, including training camps, exhibition games, and meeting guest speakers like General Martin E. Dempsey.  Highlighting the significance of representing the country and the valuable lessons he has learned from working with NBA coaches and players. 

Eric Gives his take and comments on going viral on the internet for looking like a "NPC generated player" since the announcement of players on team USA.

They also discuss the success and growth of the podcast, the importance of balance and personal development, and Eric's plans for his education and networking while playing basketball.

Timestamps:
5:30 Traveling with Team USA
10:42 Basketball Experiences and Networking
15:45 Life Updates
21:10 Podcast Journey and Discoveries
31:30 Learning and Growth

Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
⁠Now for Later YouTube (To See Full interviews!)
⁠⁠Now For Later Instagram
⁠⁠Now For Later TikTok
⁠⁠Now For Later Spotify⁠⁠
Now For Later Apple⁠

How did this All-American athlete start a multi-million dollar startup? Ted Ferrin credits the lessons he learned as a college Lacrosse player.

Growing up, Ted loved playing sports and was such a fierce competitor he earned the nickname of ‘CompetiTed’. And while Ted was good at lot of sports, he excelled at Lacrosse and it quickly became a huge part of his life and identity. Ted was a 6-time All-American, twice in high school and all four years in college, won national player of the year as a senior at BYU, was a 3-year team captainand as far as he knows 😉 still holds the all-time points record in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association.

After college, Ted started working in technology and it became the next “game” to try to master. In 2018, Ted co-founded Rivet, a venture-backed healthcare technology startup that has grown to 90 employees and millions in revenue.

Ted shares how he did it and more in this episode of Now For Later. He says leaving lacrosse behind was difficult but it propelled him in his career as a CEO and businessman.

Timestamps
7:20 Growing up, How Ted Got Into Lacrosse
11:50 Is Being A Generalist or Specialist Better For Young Athletes?
18:00 High School & College Lacrosse Career
26:50 Landing His First Job at Qualtrics & Ending Lacrosse
40:30 How Ted Started A Multi-Million Dollar Company
55:45 What’s Next? Rapid Fire

Connect with Ted Ferrin⁠
Ted’s Twitter⁠⁠
Ted’s LinkedIn⁠⁠
Ted’s Company - Rivet⁠

Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod
⁠Now for Later YouTube (To See Full interviews!)
⁠⁠Now For Later Instagram
⁠⁠Now For Later TikTok
⁠⁠Now For Later Spotify⁠⁠
Now For Later Apple⁠

Today on the podcast, Eric welcomes Ashten Smith-Gooden, the co-founder and COO of Swish Cultures, a basketball media platform  that has since exploded with millions of followers across their channels and regular collaborations with the NBA.

Ashten shares her story of growing up with diabetes and learning how to deal with those limitations to compete at a high level in track and volleyball, eventually being recruited to play Division 1 Volleyball on a full-ride scholarship at UC Berkeley. Ashten tells us how tough those years were, feeling isolated, fighting through depression and being one of the few people of color on her team.

Ashten knew then that after school she wanted to help others be seen. So when her brother approached her with the idea for Swish Cultures, she went all in. Today, Ashten is a Forbes 30 under 30 and Swish Cultures is thriving. Her story of success is powerful and we're grateful she came on the show today.

Timestamps
8:50 Growing up and Diabetes Diagnosis
14:00  Getting Into Volleyball
19:02  Recruited to Play at D1 School Cal 
21:00 Fighting Through Anxiety & Depression During College Career
26:50 Advice to find a passion outside of sports 
29:00 Choosing Not To Play Professionally
31:40 The Beginnings of Swish Cultures 
37:03 How Big Swish Cultures Is
50:00 Advice to Athletes
Connect with Ashten & Swish Cultures
Ashten's IG
Swish Cultures YouTube
Swish Cultures Instagram
Swish Cultures TikTok
Swish Cultures Twitter
NBA Presents Swish Cultures Snapchat

Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod

Now for Later YouTube (To See Full interviews!)
Now For Later Instagram
Now For Later TikTok
Now For Later Spotify
Now For Later Apple

You may know Steve Young from the 15 seasons he played in the NFL or one of his many athletic accomplishments: Quarterback for the 49ers, MVP of Super Bowl XXIX, Football Hall of Famer and NFL record holder for his passing rate of 112.8. But on Episode 4 of the Now For Later Podcast, Steve opens up about the struggles he faced at the beginning of his playing career, battling intense separation anxiety that made any change difficult and thinking at times he wanted to quit. Steve shares powerful advice that helped him look beyond football and cope with the “death” of his playing career: always have a dream and a plan to get there so you’re preparing now for what’s to come later when change occurs. Steve and Eric talk mental health and how to find bravery within ourselves to face our insecurities and Steve stresses the importance of allowing yourself time to feel the loss when you end your sport and how to be able to move on to something new.

Steve’s story and advice applies to everyone. He exemplifies the meaning of ‘Now for Later’ and we welcome him to the show.

Timestamps:

[4:04] Growing up in Connecticut, playing sports and prioritizing fun with his friends
[6:42] The high burnout rate of youth sports today and ‘hero’ culture
[8:51] Dealing with separation anxiety and almost quitting college
[12:42] ‘We all deal with mental health and it’s nothing to be ashamed of’
[15:08] The Beginning of Steve’s NFL career: starting behind Joe Montana and proving himself
[19:00] Preparing Now For Later: getting a law degree & finding things outside of sports
[21:00] ‘The pain of sports ending is equivalent to a death,’ transitioning is hard
[26:40] ‘Whats your dream?’ Have many dreams and plans throughout life
[29:20] Forever Young Foundation & the importance of being an emotional athlete
[32:10] Rapid Fire

Connect with Steve:

Twitter: @SteveYoungQB
IG: @steveyoung
IG: @foreveryoungfoundation
foreveryoung.org

Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod

Now for Later Youtube (To See Full interviews!) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT5nOy3dNwvkAg7VVckuS_w
Now For Later Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nowforlaterpod/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
Now For Later TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nowforlaterpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Now For Later Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5gx8QTjHa38X3mcvjEDhOb?si=XvBDax5SQcikL4X_wRqsGQ&nd=1
Now For Later Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-for-later-with-eric-mika/id1695946718

Join host Eric Mika as he sits down with Shareef O'Neal, a rising star in professional basketball. At the age of 18, Shareef faced a life-changing open-heart surgery that saved his life but left him uncertain about his future in basketball. Undeterred, he embarked on a remarkable path of recovery, relearning to walk, and rediscovering his confidence to prove that he can conquer any challenge.In this candid conversation, Shareef delves into what it was like growing up with the legendary Shaquille O'Neal as his father and the weight of expectations and comparisons that accompanied his pursuit of a basketball career and how he's become more than 'Shaq's son'.

Timestamps:

[2:15] Shareef's Childhood & Figuring Out Who Liked Him For Him
[5:01] How Shareef Responds When Someone Says 'Shaq's Son'
[7:33] Finding Basketball At A Young Age
[12:10] Shareef's Open Heart Surgery
[27:15] Going Pro After College & Surgery Recovery
[33:25] His NBA Pursuits & Getting Serious
[42:15] How to Develop Yourself Off The Court

Connect with ShareefIG: @shareefoneal
TikTok: @ssjreef

Things Referenced in the Show

Shareef's Open Heart Surgery Playlist
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vj2JZnHdnfYcCdXisVYtoD-grZLJMbFj/view?usp=sharing

Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod

Now for Later Youtube (To See Full interviews!)  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT5nOy3dNwvkAg7VVckuS_w
Now For Later Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nowforlaterpod/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
Now For Later TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nowforlaterpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Now For Later Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5gx8QTjHa38X3mcvjEDhOb?si=XvBDax5SQcikL4X_wRqsGQ&nd=1
Now For Later Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-for-later-with-eric-mika/id1695946718

Join host Eric Mika and snowboarding legend Jeremy Jones as they dive into the early world of snowboarding. Jeremy shares his journey, from discovering skateboarding as a kid to funding his lift tickets with spare change from school vending machines. With his father's support, Jeremy pursued snowboarding full-time and eventually became a prominent figure in the groundbreaking Forum 8 group. Together, they revolutionized snowboarding through unprecedented tricks and influential movies.In this episode, Jeremy reflects on his 27-year career as a professional freestyle snowboarder, offering practical advice and insights. He recounts a harrowing experience of surviving an avalanche that nearly cost him his life. Along the way, he shares valuable wisdom on money management and finding purpose beyond the world of sports.

Check out the show notes for additional resources, including "Dad's Letter," Jeremy's personal playlist, and practical investment advice.

Timestamps:
[3:00] A Skater in a Small Town
[6:27] Finding Snowboarding & Going Pro
[11:46] Forum 8 Creation and How They Changed Snowboarding
[18:35] Jeremy's Accolades and Career
[27:00] 3 Dark Years - Depression, Anxiety and Hating Snowboarding
[30:04] Surviving An Avalanche
[38:44] Advice for Young Athletes

Quote:
"I didn't want to be a star, I just wanted to snowboard. If there was this lane to make money and do it and be seen the least then that's my lane." - Jeremy Jones

Connect with Jeremy JonesIG: @jeremy__jones
IG: @whatdoesntkillyoudoesntkillyou

Things Referenced in the Show

Dad's Letter https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p_F4xQOUrYQw4GOdeuMhadHAxuIwl0Fq/view?usp=sharing

The Forum 8
https://www.snowboarder.com/videos/forum-the-resistance-full-movie

Jeremy's General Stoke Playlist https://drive.google.com/file/d/1poyIlqpWUBHJtbB5tC2LVQAJMG99OAc5/view?usp=sharing

Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod

Now for Later Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT5nOy3dNwvkAg7VVckuS_w
Now For Later Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nowforlaterpod/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
Now For Later TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nowforlaterpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Now For Later Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5gx8QTjHa38X3mcvjEDhOb?si=XvBDax5SQcikL4X_wRqsGQ&nd=1
Now For Later Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-for-later-with-eric-mika/id1695946718

Practical Resources From The EpisodeHow to build credit
https://youtu.be/HWPJUZItq5Q
https://www.ally.com/stories/credit/how-to-build-credit/
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-establish-credit-as-a-young-person/#s1

In this first episode of the Now for Later podcast, Eric Mika and his producer Caz discuss Eric's journey to the NBA -  from his controversial decision to leave college early to his current career as a professional basketball player.  Eric talks about finding confidence in himself and his career after going undrafted in the 2017 and hopes this podcast can help other athletes who are looking at that inevitable transition out of sports.