Pre-Zero Sports Talk

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In episode #80, Sid Bensalah discusses with Marat Omarov, founder of The ARK, a regenerative village in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, to explore one of the most radical life changes ever featured on the show.

Born and raised in Kazakhstan during the collapse of the Soviet Union, Marat shares how his early life in a strict, hierarchical system of military school, government service, and major political projects like Expo 2017 ultimately left him burned out and disconnected.

What followed was a complete reset: moving away from structured power to rediscovering freedom in Mexico and eventually establishing a community based on regenerative living, shared ownership, and purpose-driven leadership in Costa Rica.

Together, they explore:

• The difference between sustainability and regeneration
• Why Traditional Leadership Models Are Failing
• How The ARK challenges current beliefs about land, ownership, and success
• The mental and emotional toll of high-performance careers, and ways to recover
• Real stories of transformation from people who have visited or joined The ARK

00:00 Why Marat Omarov Left It All to Build a Regenerative Future in Costa Rica
00:01 Introduction and Greetings
01:59 Marat's Early Life in Kazakhstan
04:04 Military School and Early Leadership
06:43 Struggles and Realizations
08:35 Return to Kazakhstan and Political Involvement
17:09 Burnout and Transition to Mexico
21:10 The Birth of ARK
27:29 Living in Costa Rica
28:07 Reflections on Mexico and Costa Rica
29:01 The Concept of Regenerative Living
29:46 Sustainability vs. Regeneration
30:45 Expo 2017 and Public Understanding
40:01 Challenges of Hierarchical Structures
46:52 The Vision for the ARK Community
48:56 Future of Living and Leadership
50:58 Lightning Round Q&A

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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 Bensalah

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In episode#79, host Sid Bensalah talks with Tareq Nazlawy, CEO of the sports-tech startup Trace and former Senior Director of Digital Strategy at Adidas. Tareq explains how he's closing the gap between elite sports brands and the 99% of fans who never enter a stadium by turning live sports moments into personal, digital experiences fans can truly own.

From launching Adidas' CONFIRMED app to leading the Into the Metaverse NFT drop, and now building Trace in partnership with the ATP Tour, Tareq discusses the future of sports, storytelling, and the power of digital fandom.

We explore leadership transitions from corporate to startup life, the emotional value of blockchain collectibles, and how Trace is rethinking global fan engagement across sports like Formula One, tennis, and beyond.

00:00 – From Adidas to Trace: Changing the way fans connect
01:35 – Tareq’s journey from Adidas to entrepreneurship
04:28 – Lessons from leadership in the corporate world
07:23 – The origin story of Trace
11:49 – What Trace really is: fan connection through digital ownership
20:14 – Partnering with the ATP and early feedback
26:14 – Growing Trace: challenges and vision
33:46 – Building emotional connection with fans
34:19 – Turning passive fans into active participants
35:44 – Why D2C in sports is hard
38:29 – Market strategy & reaching global fans
42:05 – Entering new sports verticals: motorsport, football, more
46:10 – Understanding new patterns in sports consumption
50:50 – Engagement differences: F1 vs. Tennis
54:50 – What fan connection could look like in 2030
59:59 – Lightning Round: favorite moments, advice & more
01:05:36 – Final thoughts on legacy, leadership & fandom

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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 Bensalah

Got feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/

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In this episode, host Sid Bensalah is joined by Carlee Wolfe, a coach, inclusion strategist, and Paralympic pipeline leader with nearly 20 years of experience in volleyball and athlete development.

From working with USA Sitting Volleyball to volunteering with the Bennett Blazers at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Carlee has championed access to adaptive sports at every level. She also led impactful initiatives in leadership development and organizational effectiveness at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and Under Armour, always focusing on helping individuals and teams succeed.

This conversation dives deep into:

• What it takes to create fair access to sports
• How community programs act as drivers of inclusion
• The visibility gap in Paralympic coverage
• Coaching Beyond Performance Metrics
• And why purpose, rather than titles, should guide leadership

From grassroots programs to global competitions, Carlee shares personal stories and practical insights that reflect what clean progress looks like in action.

00:00 Game Changers with Carlee Wolfe
01:29 Carlee’s Career and Adaptive Sports
06:17 Talent Identification in Adaptive Sports
10:10 Challenges Faced by Adaptive Athletes
12:49 Holistic Coaching in Adaptive Sports
17:35 Community Programs as Equity Engines
23:44 Elevating Adaptive Sports Coverage
27:39 Paralympic Athlete Struggles
29:52 Building Infrastructure and Equity
34:07 Vision for the Future
36:18 Financial and Policy Support
39:29 The Role of Media and Sponsorship
45:52 Lightning Round
50:59 Final Thoughts

• Explore the Bennett Blazers Program: Kennedy Krieger Institute
• Discover more from Move United: moveunitedsport.org
• Meet the USA Sitting Volleyball Team: usavolleyball.org

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 Bensalah

Got feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/

Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

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Navigating college admissions has never been more complicated, especially for student-athletes. In this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah meets with Shellee Howard, a global college strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of College Ready, to explore the truth behind scholarships, NIL, and the mental stress faced by young athletes today.

Shellee shares her personal journey from guiding her son to Harvard debt-free to helping thousands of families make smarter, more intentional college decisions. They explore the myth of the “full ride,” the emotional impact of the NIL era, and why sports should be a tool for growth rather than a financial gamble.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or student, this episode features real stories, valuable insights, and practical takeaways to help you prepare not just for college but for life after the game.

00:00 Beyond Scholarships: Coaching Student-Athletes for Life
01:17 Meet Shellee Howard: A Journey to College Ready
04:33 The Challenges of Scholar Athletes
06:30 The Financial Realities of Athletic Scholarships
09:11 Case Study: Water Polo Athlete's Journey
13:42 Long-Term Growth vs. Short-Term Wins
24:57 Navigating College Affordability
25:47 Trump’s Executive Order on NIL
26:47 Parental Guidance in College Selection
29:22 The NIL Debate and Its Implications
37:34 Challenges for Female Athletes in Admissions
43:03 Growing College Ready into a Movement
48:06 Lightning Round: Personal Insights
50:49 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

- Learn more about Shellee here

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 Bensalah

Got feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/

Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

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Lynn Colepaugh, a former bass guitar player, strategist, storyteller, and human AI collaborator, joins Sid Bensalah to discuss her fascinating career shift from touring with a Jimi Hendrix cover band to running a strategy agency. Lynn shares insights on transitioning from the music industry to marketing, managing burnout, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and the pivotal role of AI in her current work. She also reflects on how athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs can protect their performance by focusing on personal well-being. The episode explores Lynn's perspectives on AI's impact on education, its potential to improve personal and professional lives, and offers guidance for those considering AI adoption. Lynn emphasizes the importance of starting where you are, understanding your personal goals, and balancing ambition with well-being. This insightful conversation touches on themes of identity, community support, innovation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

00:00 Morning Greetings and Autumn Anticipation

00:28 From Musician to Marketing Strategist

02:48 Touring Challenges and Burnout

05:19 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome

05:59 Redefining Identity Beyond Music

09:30 Parallels Between Artists, Athletes, and Entrepreneurs

12:24 Supporting Student Athletes and Artists

15:52 Burnout: A Systemic Issue

17:16 The Reality of Fame and Substance Abuse

27:04 Balancing Career and Personal Life

36:21 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

39:42 Collaborating with AI

40:32 Avoiding AI: Personal Reflections

41:11 AI in Content Creation and Music

43:17 Personal Experiences with ChatGPT

44:52 AI's Role in Personal Support

50:07 AI in Sports and Coaching

57:55 AI in Education: Challenges and Opportunities

01:02:18 The Future of AI in Schools

01:12:04 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights

01:16:25 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Learn more about Lynn → https://cyberprarmy.com

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 Bensalah

Got feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/

Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to nurture and guide kids through the challenges of a changing climate? In this episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah speaks with Bridget Shirvell, award-winning journalist and author of Parenting in a Climate Crisis. Drawing on her reporting, conversations with climate scientists, educators, and psychologists, as well as her own experiences as a parent, Bridget shares how families can move beyond fear and foster resilience, curiosity, and hope in the next generation.

Together, they explore the everyday challenges parents face, from children’s curiosity about electric cars to balancing sustainability choices without falling into perfectionism. Bridget highlights why small actions matter, how nature builds emotional strength, and the role of schools, sports, and community in preparing climate-aware citizens. She also opens up about her writing process and how she transformed years of research and personal experiences into a practical guide for parents.

If you’re a parent, coach, or community leader looking for real stories, actionable advice, and encouragement to raise climate-strong kids, this conversation is for you.

00:00 Parenting in a Climate Crisis: How to Nurture Resilient Kids
00:06 Discussing Children's Curiosity
01:27 Introducing the Guest: Bridget
02:06 Inspiration Behind the Book
02:37 Parenting and Climate Crisis
05:46 Addressing Climate Fears
08:54 Mental Shifts for Parents
13:17 Engaging with Children on Climate
19:41 Supporting Systems: Schools and Community
21:44 Student-Led Sustainability Initiatives
24:15 Rebranding Sustainability
24:51 COP Conferences and Climate Action
28:28 Electric Vehicles and Sustainability
30:00 The Writing Process
40:48 Climate Preparedness for 2030
42:06 Hope for the Next Generation
43:12 Lightning Round Q&A
47:52 Final Thoughts and Farewell

To learn more about Bridget Shirvell and her work, visit: https://breeshirvell.com

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 Bensalah

Got feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/

Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

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In Episode 74, host Sid Bensalah talks with Bishop Kevin Foreman, founder of Harvest Church and a strong voice in faith-based leadership, civic innovation, and whole-person coaching. Broadcasting from Sweden to the world, this conversation explores how grit, faith, and performance shape lives and communities.

Bishop Kevin shares his journey from modest beginnings, explaining how business setbacks led to a breakthrough in his ministry, and how sports coaching principles influenced his leadership style. From creating a digital-first church community to shaping public policy in Denver, his story combines purpose, resilience, and modern leadership grounded in core values.

We examine the link between spiritual growth and physical transformation, the importance of responsible digital platform use, and how faith leaders can empower marginalized communities while navigating political and civic spaces. Whether you're a coach, athlete, leader, or someone seeking meaning in performance and service, this episode offers valuable insights with global relevance.

00:00 Lead With Grit: Coaching, Faith, and Community with Bishop Kevin Foreman
01:51 Early Life and Influences
05:45 Sports and Discipline
08:49 Building a Real Estate Empire
11:52 Founding Harvest Church
20:53 Embracing Digital Ministry
34:54 Civic Leadership and Policy Change
39:05 Late Night Leadership
39:37 Balancing Public Leadership and Spiritual Voice
40:10 Politicians and Faith
44:00 Empowering the Marginalized
45:29 Religion in Public Schools
52:11 Personal Transformation Journey
58:13 Global Digital Reach
01:03:49 Lightning Round Q&A

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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 Bensalah

Got feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/

Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

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In this episode, host Sid Bensalah speaks with Jim Caruso, Chief Innovation Officer at One Elevate, about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the sports industry. Jim brings a fresh perspective from his journey through enterprise tech and advertising, into helping global sports leagues solve real-world challenges with real-time data.

Together, they unpack how AI can elevate strategy, optimize the fan experience, and change how sponsors connect with teams and audiences—without losing the human element.

Key Topics:

• AI's role in enhancing live fan experiences
• How tech solves the “last mile” in data strategy
• Real examples of AI improving decision-making
• Sponsorship, branding & predictive marketing
• The future of human + AI collaboration in sports

Timestamps

00:00 How AI Is Changing Sports Strategy
00:50 Sid’s Intro & Jim’s Background
02:19 Jim’s Unconventional Journey
05:40 AI as a Tool in Sports Innovation
14:26 Personalizing the Fan Experience
34:33 Smarter Sponsorship & Brand Fit
40:51 Negotiation, AI & Human Intuition
41:46 Predictive Tools for Fan Behavior
43:21 Sports Marketing: ROI Measurement
44:33 AI + AdTech in Live Sports
50:10 Smarter Decision-Making in Sports
55:23 The Global AI Innovation Race
01:01:07 The Future of Sports x AI
01:03:53 Lightning Round: Fast Takes
01:12:17 Closing Thoughts

🎙️ Subscribe & Listen: https://prezerosportstalk.com
📲 Watch the full interview on YouTube + Spotify

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 Bensalah

Got feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/

Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

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In Episode #72, Sid Bensalah talks with Kevin Pallaoro, CEO of Teton Waters Ranch, to challenge everything you think you know about beef, methane, and sustainability.

From his upbringing on a Colorado cattle ranch to leading one of America’s most purpose-driven grass-fed beef companies, Kevin shares a grounded and unfiltered look at regenerative ranching, the truth about methane, and what it really takes to produce meat that heals both people and the planet.

They dive deep into:

• The myths behind cattle and climate change
• How soil health connects to human health
• Greenwashing in the meat industry
• Why regenerative ranching isn’t a trend, it’s a return to accountability
• What it means to lead with integrity in an industry built on volume and speed

Plus, Kevin opens up about the economic challenges of sustainable beef, the labeling loopholes, and how Teton is working to make better beef more accessible to everyday families.

Whether you're a skeptic, rancher, athlete, or just someone trying to eat better, this conversation offers clarity in a sea of confusion.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 – The Beef Debate: Regenerative Meat & Climate
00:01 – Morning Routines & First Coffee
01:52 – Guest Intro: Kevin’s Ranching Roots
05:13 – Questioning the Meat Industry Status Quo
07:57 – Why Regenerative > Industrial
11:34 – What “Regenerative” Really Means
22:20 – Incentives & Real Challenges in the Field
25:33 – Methane, Media & Misinformation
38:54 – Can Regenerative Scale Economically?
41:04 – Raising Cattle Responsibly
42:20 – Teton’s Mission: Affordable, Ethical Beef
45:26 – Label Claims vs. Real Practices
49:40 – Integrity-Driven Leadership in Ag
58:48 – Policy Roadblocks & Food System Realities
01:17:55 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action

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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 Bensalah

Got feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/

Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

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In this episode#71 host Sid Bensalah chats with Greg Lothian, an accomplished athlete, therapist, biomechanics innovator, and founder of Acculete. Greg discusses his journey from varsity sports to private practice, revealing pivotal moments that led him to redefine rehabilitation methods. The conversation explores the challenges of traditional rehab, the importance of long-term commitment, and the need for evidence-based practice. Greg elaborates on his unique approach to client care, emphasizing comprehensive assessments, reconditioning stages, and the power of real-time data. The episode concludes with insights into his personal experiences and practical advice for emerging physical health practitioners.

00:00 Introduction and Ultra Marathon Discussion

00:47 Meet Greg Ian: Athlete, Therapist, Innovator

01:30 Challenges in Traditional Rehab

03:56 The Importance of a Year-Long Commitment

19:19 Acculete: Revolutionizing Rehab with Technology

30:43 Addressing the Root Cause of Pain

31:57 Industry Standards and Symptom Therapy

34:12 Treating Clients Like Elite Athletes

37:44 The Vitality Pathway Concept

43:32 Stages of Reconditioning

49:00 Defining Success in Physical Therapy

53:19 Embracing AI in Physical Therapy

55:03 Lightning Round Q&A

57:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 Bensalah

Got feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?
Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/

Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/