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Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Pre-Zero Sports Talk episodes
- Achievement Addiction, Faith, and Identity | Dr. Jack Groppel
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What happens when success, achievement, and external validation are still not enough?
In Episode #100 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Dr. Jack Groppel, sports science pioneer, author of Mountains Within, and former leader at the Human Performance Institute.
Jack shares his deeply personal journey from a childhood shaped by pressure and a lifelong drive to prove himself, to confronting what he calls achievement addiction, the pursuit of success without true peace or identity.
This conversation explores sports science, elite performance, faith, identity, fatherhood, fear, purpose, resilience, character, adoption, Mount Kilimanjaro, and learning what really matters beyond achievement.
Learn more about Dr. Jack Groppel: https://jackgroppel.net/
Order Mountains Within on AmazonFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/i-spent-my-life-trying-to-prove-myself-until-i-found-what-really-matters/
Support the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
2 hr 7 min - Why U.S. Soccer Struggles: Pay-to-Play, Money, and Youth Development | Alex Lubyansky
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Why does U.S. soccer produce so many players, yet still struggle to build a true performance-driven development system?
In Episode #99 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Alex Lubyansky, founder of Detroit Metro FC and former European Sporting Director, for a direct conversation on U.S. soccer, pay-to-play, youth development, governance, money, and the future of football in America.
Alex explains how the pay-to-play model often prioritizes income over talent, how incentives shape behavior at youth and professional levels, and why the U.S. soccer system differs from merit-based football cultures in Europe and South America.
This episode explores U.S. soccer development, pay-to-play, grassroots access, promotion and relegation, MLS, college soccer, football culture, club identity, performance pressure, governance, and whether the 2026 World Cup can create lasting change.
Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/why-u-s-soccer-fails-pay-to-play-money-and-the-truth-about-football/Support the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
1 hr 19 min - Resilience, Coaching, and Adaptive Sport | Scott Martin
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How do you rebuild your life after losing both hands and parts of your feet?
In Episode #98 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Scott Martin, award-winning soccer coach, educator, disability advocate, and author of Play From Your Heart.
After a life-threatening infection led to septic shock, a month-long coma, and the loss of both hands and parts of his feet, Scott was forced to rebuild his life, identity, confidence, and purpose from the ground up.
This conversation explores resilience, adaptive sport, soccer coaching, leadership, parenting, adoption, disability advocacy, empathy, accountability, identity after trauma, and why coaching is not about control, but about helping people learn, grow, and play from the heart.
Learn more about Scott Martin: https://librarytalespublishing.com/collections/scott-martin
Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/play-from-your-heart-scott-martin-on-losing-his-hands-and-rebuilding-through-sport/Support the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
1 hr 51 min - Dyslexia, Learning Systems, and Education Reform | Russell Van Brocklen
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What if dyslexia is not a disability, but a different way of processing information that many schools still do not understand?
In Episode #97 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Russell Van Brocklen, dyslexia researcher, educator, and founder of DyslexiaClasses.com.
After being assessed at roughly a first-grade reading and writing level in college, Russell turned his personal struggle into a 20-year mission to rethink dyslexia, learning systems, and how parents, teachers, and coaches can better support dyslexic students.
This conversation explores dyslexia research, neurodiverse learning, education reform, Russell’s front-brain learning model, word analysis, writing improvement, parent-led success stories, coaching dyslexic athletes, sports and motivation, AI as a research tool, and the institutional resistance facing new learning methods.Learn more about Russell: https://DyslexiaClasses.com
Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/the-dyslexic-advantage-from-first-grade-reading-to-a-better-learning-system/
Support the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
1 hr 53 min - Sport, Sustainability, and Impact Leadership | Josephina Oji
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How can an outsider perspective help sport become more strategic, responsible, and impactful?
In Episode #96 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Josephina Oji, Global Director of Impact, Sustainability, and Transformation, for a conversation on sport, sustainability, leadership, governance, equity, and long-term impact.
Josephina shares her squiggly career journey from law, human rights, diplomacy, government policy, criminal justice reform, and health equity into global sports strategy. She explains why fresh perspectives can challenge traditional thinking and help sport move beyond compliance toward real strategic value.
This episode explores sustainability in sport, impact leadership, sports governance, social responsibility, fan behavior, storytelling, gender equity, emerging markets, golf’s transformation, strategic partnerships, representation, AI, and why sport can become a powerful vehicle for global change.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/josephina-oji-the-outsider-advantage-in-sport-sustainability-leadership-and-impact/
Support the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
1 hr 25 min - Men, Purpose, and Self-Leadership | Maxim Shapiro
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Why do so many men feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure of who they are meant to become?
In Episode #95 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Maxim Shapiro, men’s purpose coach and founder of Forward Motion Coaching, for a raw conversation on men’s purpose, depression, identity, effort, self-leadership, and rebuilding real community.
Maxim shares how years of drifting, negative self-talk, and playing it safe led to deep dissatisfaction. In his early 40s, a jarring awakening pushed him to move from Massachusetts to California, start a business, commit to a long-term relationship, and rebuild his life through effort, honesty, and discipline.
This episode explores modern masculinity, men’s mental health, self-leadership, depression, authentic identity, effort over results, digital disconnection, dopamine culture, jiu-jitsu, community, belonging, and practical steps for moving from stuck to alive.
Support the show hereFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/modern-masculinity-crisis-how-men-reclaim-purpose-and-self-leadership-maxim-shapiro/
Support the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
1 hr 3 min - Executive Health and Performance: Your Body Is the Business Plan | Tom Waite
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What if your body is the real business plan behind your leadership, clarity, and long-term performance?
In Episode #94 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with performance coach Tom Waite to discuss executive health, athletic training for leaders, burnout prevention, strength training, recovery, and sustainable performance.
Tom works with executives and founders using athletic training principles, biometric data, strength work, nutrition, and recovery systems to help high performers lead with energy, clarity, and purpose.
This episode explores executive performance, health for leaders, early signs of burnout, strength training for longevity, nutrition, wearable data, morning routines, travel habits, recovery, decision-making, and the need for feedback systems for both body and mind.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/your-body-is-the-business-plan-training-leaders-like-athletes/
If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.Support the show: Fuel our Mission
Support the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
47 min - Women’s Sports, Coaching, and Pay Equity | Angela R. Lewis
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What does the future of women’s sports require from coaches, leaders, media, and communities?
In Episode #93 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Angela R. Lewis, former Division I basketball player, championship-winning coach, author, and leadership consultant.
Angela discusses the growth of women’s sports, visibility, role models, media coverage, pay equity, athlete development, and why character matters more than performance alone. She also shares her V6 framework, which helps athletes move from valley to victory through trust, resilience, identity, and personal growth.
This episode explores women’s sports, coaching, equity, leadership, basketball, media representation, athlete identity, faith, resilience, youth sports, and strategies for building a more supportive and equitable sports culture.
Learn more about Angela R. Lewis: https://angelarlewis.comFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/angela-lewis-on-coaching-equity-and-leading-the-future-of-womens-sports/
If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.
Support the show: Fuel our MissionSupport the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
53 min - Event Experience, Leadership, and Innovation | David Sauers
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What happens when an overlooked event problem becomes a national business opportunity?
In Episode #92 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with David Sauers, co-founder of Royal Restrooms, entrepreneur, and event innovation leader.
David shares how one frustrating experience at a Shakespeare festival in Savannah, Georgia, led to the creation of a luxury restroom franchise now operating in more than 50 U.S. markets. He also discusses event logistics, franchising, customer experience, leadership, faith, service culture, and building businesses that solve real problems.
This episode explores event experience, entrepreneurship, clean infrastructure, sports and event operations, value-based selling, franchising, customer service, brand loyalty, leadership, faith, and why details people often overlook can shape the entire guest experience.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/rethinking-restrooms-david-sauers-on-innovation-leadership-and-event-experience/
If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.
Fuel our Mission
Support the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
52 min - Golf Putting Tips: Master Lag Putting with Bob Labbe
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Want to stop three-putting and build more confidence on the green?
In Episode #91 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Bob Labbe, retired engineer and author of Putting by the Numbers, to discuss golf putting, lag putting, consistency, confidence, and a simple method for improving your game.
Bob shares how frustration on the green became a 25-year journey combining engineering logic, basic arithmetic, real-world practice, and emotional focus. His approach requires no gear, no swing change, and no complicated system.
This episode explores golf putting tips, lag putting, distance control, pre-shot routines, putting confidence, mindset, practice habits, aging in golf, lowering your handicap, and why progress is possible at any age.
Grab your copy of Putting by the Numbers hereFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/fix-your-putting-game-with-bob-labbe/
If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.Support the show: Fuel our Mission
Support the show
Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.
Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.
Listen, watch, and follow:
Spotify Video: Watch full episodes
YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation
X: @PreZeroST
Instagram: @PreZeroSportsTalk
LinkedIn: Connect with the Community
TikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalk
Substack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/
1 hr 5 min
About Pre-Zero Sports Talk
From the publisher's feed
Pre-Zero Sports Talk is where sport meets leadership, performance, purpose, community, innovation, faith, and the realities behind the polished narratives.
Hosted by Sid Bensalah,…
who brings more than 30 years of international sports industry experience, the show brings together voices from inside and outside sport to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and explore what the sports industry can learn from people who see the world differently.
The idea for Pre-Zero began with a simple frustration: too often, the public conversation around sport focuses on promises, polished narratives, targets, achievements, and impact claims while the difficult questions remain unanswered.
So we created a different kind of conversation.
Athletes, coaches, executives, entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, psychologists, technologists, conservationists, faith leaders, and people shaped by extraordinary life experiences join Sid for honest, long-form discussions without talking points or hidden agendas.
But performance and achievement are only part of the story.
Many high achievers spend their lives chasing the next win, title, promotion, deal, record, or milestone, only to discover that outward success does not automatically bring fulfilment, peace, wisdom, or meaning.
Pre-Zero also explores the questions behind achievement: What is success really for? What gives life purpose? What happens when winning is no longer enough? And where do faith, identity, family, service, responsibility, inner peace, and wisdom fit?
The name Pre-Zero originated during the global push toward Net-Zero commitments. Before reaching zero, what are organisations actually doing today? What is measurable? What works? What does not?
That question now reaches far beyond environmental issues.
Before the result, what happened in preparation? Before leadership, how did we behave? Before impact, what changed? Before the promise, where is the action? And before chasing the next achievement, do we understand why we are chasing it?
Pre-Zero also believes in practical environmental progress. Clean air, clean water, healthy soil, conservation, and measurable results matter more than slogans.
Sport is the starting point, not the boundary.
These are real conversations beyond sport, exploring what helps people, leaders, organisations, and communities perform better, live with greater purpose, and make meaningful progress.