Pre-Zero Sports Talk

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In Episode 70 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah welcomes Louis De Jaeger—author and global regenerative agriculture advocate—to explore how soil health impacts human performance, nutrition, and sustainability. Louis shares powerful insights from his book, SOS Save Our Soils, emphasizing the urgent need to regenerate 550 million hectares worldwide to ensure food security and combat climate change.

Discover how soil quality directly impacts gut health, nutrition, mental clarity, and physical performance.

From the hidden dangers of pesticides and the challenges of corporate farming, to actionable solutions for athletes and communities, Louis provides real-world stories and practical guidance to drive positive change.

00:00 Save Our Soils: Food, Farming & Performance
00:12 The Importance of Rain for Agriculture
00:50 Soil's Connection to Human Health
01:58 Introducing Louis De Jaeger
02:29 Regenerating 550 Million Hectares: Louis’s Mission
04:12 Experiences with Desertification
07:29 Challenges & Solutions in Soil Regeneration
10:06 Health Benefits of Regenerative Farming
13:23 Political and Economic Barriers
16:05 The Role of Microorganisms in Soil Health
33:45 Regenerative vs. Organic Farming
35:38 Nutritional Advice for Athletes
38:55 The Plastic Dilemma: Health vs. Environment
40:14 Challenges in Adopting Regenerative Practices
41:33 Influence of Lobbyists and Market Demand
44:06 Impact of Pesticides on Communities
45:20 Corporate Agriculture & Greenwashing
47:47 Community Action Against Pesticides
53:34 Farmers' Struggles and Protests
56:07 Debunking Myths About Feeding the World
58:29 Urgency of Soil Regeneration
01:02:33 Writing ‘SOS Save Our Soil’
01:11:19 Lightning Round: Quick Questions with Louis

Join Louis and Sid to discover practical ways athletes, communities, and individuals can support healthier soils, improved nutrition, and better performance.

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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 deeply inspiring episode, host Sid Bensalah talks with Kate Grant, CEO of the Fistula Foundation and author of the memoir No Woman Left Behind. Kate shares her remarkable journey from Capitol Hill and Madison Avenue to leading a globally respected nonprofit dedicated to restoring dignity to women suffering from obstetric fistula across Africa and Asia.

Through stories from the field, Kate demonstrates how smart compassion—empathy paired with strategy can drive systemic change in women’s health and explain why empowering even one woman can uplift entire communities. She also discusses the leadership challenges she has faced, the importance of trust-based partnerships, and how her advertising background has contributed to the development of one of the world’s most effective global health organizations.

Timestamps

00:00 – Smart Compassion, Women’s Health & Global Leadership
00:18 – The Ripple Effect of Healing One Woman
01:33 – Meet Kate Grant & Fistula Foundation
02:03 – Her Life-Changing Visit to Ethiopia
03:42 – From Corporate Branding to Humanitarian Action
08:59 – Real-World Challenges in Nonprofit Leadership
12:22 – Redefining Compassion: Effective Altruism & Results
22:17 – Trust-Based Partnerships Across Africa
32:49 – Scaling with Integrity, Staying Mission-Driven
35:38 – What Fistula Surgery Involves
41:34 – Health as the Foundation of Women’s Empowerment
44:38 – Kate’s Principles on Leadership & Resilience
48:05 – What’s Next for Fistula Foundation
57:20 – Lightning Round: The Human Side of Kate Grant

- Kate Grant’s inspiring memoir, No Woman Left Behind, is now available on Amazon. All proceeds support life-changing surgeries through the Love a Sister program. 

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/

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In this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah sits down with veteran coach and educator Darren Ault, author of Out of Bounds. They explore the growing crisis of parental interference in youth sports, how power dynamics inside school systems fail coaches and players, and what authentic leadership, accountability, and community support should look like in today’s sports culture. This episode is a must-watch for coaches, parents, educators, and anyone passionate about youth development through sports.

00:00 – Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk w/ Darren Ault
00:39 – What inspired Out of Bounds, and why Darren wrote it
03:31 – Real-life challenges coaches face with parental politics
06:48 – How schools fail coaches: Inside Darren’s suspension
11:30 – Community support vs. silence: Who stands up for truth?
13:59 – Leadership under pressure: Where school systems break
33:54 – Lessons from Extreme Ownership for coaches and educators
37:41 – How school boards can adopt high-accountability models
41:26 – Teaching discipline and resilience in today’s youth
43:02 – What NIL means for parents, scholarships, and player pressure
48:00 – The mental toll of modern coaching in high school sports
56:42 – What parents & coaches must understand to help kids thrive
01:01:24 – Writing the book: Healing, reflection, and storytelling
01:07:09 – Lightning Round: Darren gets personal
01:13:22 – Final thoughts on leadership, integrity, and redemption

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 this must-listen episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah sits down with George Dom, aviation executive, author, and former Blue Angels Flight Leader and Topgun instructor. Together, they explore what it takes to build high-trust, high-performance teams in some of the most demanding environments on earth.

George shares how trust, character, and competence can transform a group of individuals into an elite, resilient team capable of excellence under extreme pressure. Drawing from his experience leading combat missions, commanding squadrons, and performing breathtaking aerial maneuvers with the Blue Angels, George brings powerful lessons on mental resilience, accountability, empathy, and communication.

They unpack George’s acclaimed book High-Trust Leadership, diving into his five pillars of trust and why proactive trust-building is essential for leaders in sports, business, and beyond. George also reflects on the challenges of writing and editing his book, the impact of movies like Top Gun on the fighter pilot community, and the leadership trends he sees shaping the future.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, entrepreneur, or executive, this conversation is filled with real, actionable insights that will elevate your leadership game.

00:00 High-Trust Leadership and Peak Performance
00:28 Introduction to George Dom
02:14 George Dom's Leadership Journey
04:13 Lessons from the Blue Angels
08:20 The Importance of Trust
17:34 Building High-Performance Teams
27:08 The Five Pillars of Trust
35:50 Writing the Book
38:01 Developing Mental Resilience
39:41 Training for G Forces
41:53 The Power of Visualization
45:21 Balancing Trust and Accountability
46:57 Empathy in Leadership
52:13 Creating a Culture of Feedback
58:55 Emerging Leadership Trends
01:01:48 Lightning Round

Listen now and learn how to lead with trust, even when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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

In this powerful episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, Sid interviews Frank Kelly III — former athlete, CEO of Kelly Benefits, coach, author, and faith-driven leader — to explore the deep links between sports, faith, business, and legacy.

Frank shares about growing up in a mission-focused family, how his time in Japan changed his perspective on success, and why spiritual grounding is essential in both the boardroom and the locker room. He reflects on servant leadership, loss, family, and how Scripture guides his leadership of over 500 people today.

We also explore the role of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, his inspiring writing journey, and his reaction to the historic election of Pope Leo XIV,  the first American Pope.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro and Guest Welcome
• 02:29 – Pope Leo XIV: Faith meets history
• 05:10 – Mission-driven family values
• 06:18 – Athletic journey at Cornell
• 10:02 – From performance to purpose
• 13:18 – Wrestling with faith and identity
• 16:10 – Saying “yes” to the family business
• 19:23 – Lessons from Japan and redefining success
• 23:14 – Running a scripture-guided business
• 32:13 – Family legacy and faith at scale
• 34:10 – Prayer, succession, and future vision
• 37:45 – Losing well and resilience
• 40:58 – The FCA story and empowering youth
• 47:20 – His books: Influence, The Creator’s Game, Look & See
• 53:43 – Restoring community and connection
• 58:47 – Lightning Round
• 01:03:04 – Final thoughts and outro

Key Takeaways:

• Faith and family are powerful leadership tools
• Resilience is shaped more by loss than by victory
• Servant leadership isn’t soft — it’s strategic
• Your business can reflect your beliefs — and still grow
• Legacy isn’t what you leave behind — it’s what you build daily

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

In this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Bryant & Rebecca Haines, the visionary co-founders of PixSeat—a revolutionary platform turning stadium crowds into synchronized, interactive experiences using fans' smartphones.

From the spark of inspiration at an Alabama football game to live testing in arenas, Bryant and Rebecca walk us through their entrepreneurial journey, filled with technical challenges, creative breakthroughs, and a mission to change how fans connect with live events. PixSeat isn't just about spectacle; it's about meaningful engagement, crowd unity, and even real-time safety solutions, such as alerts for human trafficking.

We explore how PixSeat is positioned to transform the live event landscape, with an eye on major launches, international expansion, and possible integration at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The Haines also reflect on their startup journey—navigating the pandemic, refining their pitch, building relationships with investors, and staying true to their mission-driven values.

This episode is a must-listen for sports tech enthusiasts, event innovators, and anyone inspired by what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Meet Bryant & Rebecca Haines
• 01:54 – The idea that sparked PixSeat
• 06:15 – How the tech works + innovation deep dive
• 10:38 – Real-world testing & stadium integration
• 18:30 – What sets PixSeat apart from competitors
• 33:01 – Using technology for social impact
• 38:09 – The fundraising story
• 43:12 – Vision for the 2028 Olympics
• 45:50 – Engineering challenges and creative solutions
• 59:51 – Lightning Round: Meet the minds behind PixSeat
• 1:15:38 – Final thoughts & contact info

🎧 Tune in and discover how PixSeat is turning fans into the show.
📲 Visit PixSeat.com to learn more.

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

In this episode, host Sid Bensalah interviews Brant Stachel—psychotherapist, massage therapist, and high-performance coach—on the overlooked mental side of athletic success. From Olympic hopefuls to weekend runners, Brant shares how mental resilience, emotional safety, and process-driven growth unlock true potential.

You’ll hear Brant’s journey from struggling athlete to performance coach, practical frameworks like IGNITE for mental strength, and why focusing on “we-go” instead of ego builds better teams.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or simply looking to sharpen your mental game, this episode delivers real stories, science-backed insights, and tools to help you win from within.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:42 – Brant’s Journey
02:33 – Defining Mental Resilience
08:08 – Process Over Outcome
16:37 – IGNITE Mental Training
31:49 – Safe Spaces for Athletes
37:43 – Managing Pressure
40:18 – Visualization & Mindfulness
45:22 – Team vs. Individual Mindsets
48:04 – Coaching Mistakes
49:46 – Bouncing Back After Loss
01:01:29 – Lightning Round
01:04:26 – Outro

👉 Subscribe to the podcast for more episodes: https://prezerosportstalk.com
-  Follow Brant: https://milestonewellness.ca

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

In this powerful episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Phil Pelucha, a former professional footballer turned sports business strategist and founder of the Pelucha Sports Academy.

From being homeless at 14 to building a global 8-figure consultancy, Phil’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and bold leadership. He shares how sports saved his life, why he created a means-tested academy to empower underprivileged athletes, and the leadership lessons that translate directly from the pitch to the boardroom.

Phil also reveals how he helps businesses scale from six to eight figures, his mindset around fear and growth, and how his academy model is expanding into India and South America. This episode is packed with real stories, sharp business advice, and personal insights that will inspire athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders alike.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Phil’s Journey
02:39 – Founding the Pelucha Sports Academy
04:13 – Building a Means-Tested Model
09:14 – From Struggles to Success: Academy Stories
21:34 – What Sports Teach Us About Leadership
31:39 – How to Scale Businesses Fast
40:22 – Thinking Bigger and Facing Fear
43:20 – Mental Health in High-Pressure Roles
45:31 – Advice for Facing Life’s Challenges
46:31 – What Businesses Can Learn from Elite Teams
51:19 – Lessons from Liverpool FC
01:01:54 – Global Vision for the Academy
01:07:28 – Lightning Round: Personal Insights
01:13:19 – Closing Reflections

🎧 Whether you’re a coach, CEO, or athlete, this episode will leave you motivated to lead, grow, and create impact.

👉 Learn more about Phil Pelucha and his work at https://billionairesinboxers.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 this episode, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Dr. Chelsea Pierotti—sports psychology consultant, former professional ballet dancer, and host of the Passion for Dance podcast—to explore what it takes to perform under pressure in dance.

From overcoming perfectionism and burnout to building confidence and redefining success, Chelsea shares real-life stories and practical strategies that help dancers train their minds like athletes. Whether you're a performer, coach, parent, or athlete, you'll find powerful insights on mental resilience, goal setting, and emotional regulation.

 Discover why dancers experience performance anxiety, how to bounce back from setbacks, and why mental skills are as crucial as physical ones. Chelsea also explains the difference between mental health and mental toughness, and how anyone can develop both.

 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Background
00:56 – Transition from Ballet to Sports Psychology
06:40 – Setting Goals and Measuring Success
10:07 – Overcoming Perfectionism and Building Confidence
21:56 – Handling Performance Anxiety and Burnout
28:17 – Recognizing Small Wins
29:36 – Managing Parental Pressure in Youth Sports
33:33 – Handling Rejection in Dance
35:49 – Mental Health vs. Mental Toughness
38:57 – Applying Mental Training Beyond Dance
46:15 – Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights
53:27 – Final Thoughts and Advice

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

Episode Quote: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." — Viktor Frankl

👉 Learn more about Dr. Chelsea Pierotti:
🌐 Website: chelseapierotti.com
🎙 Podcast: Passion for Dance
📸 Instagram: @dr.chelseapierotti

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

In this powerful Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast episode, host Sid Bensalah sits down with author, historian, and strength advocate Haley Shapley to unpack the forgotten stories and modern realities of women in fitness. Drawing from her acclaimed book Stronger Like Her, Haley takes us on a compelling journey through history, culture, and the pursuit of physical power, beyond aesthetics.

From the surprising role of the bicycle in women’s emancipation to trailblazers like Kathrine Switzer, Pudgy Stockton, and Serena Williams, Haley shines a spotlight on women who defied norms and redefined what it means to be strong.

They explore:

• Cultural myths that held women back from sport
• The evolution of strength training and CrossFit
• Representation, body image, and the media’s role
• Gender equity in sports—including the fight for equal pay
• Why inclusivity in fitness is more important than ever
• Haley’s personal journey, fitness philosophy, and writing process

Haley also shares practical insights on building strength, her challenges with upper body training, and the more profound message she hopes young girls take from her work: You are stronger than you think.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:41 The Bicycle & Women’s Independence
06:23 Kathrine Switzer’s Marathon Moment
13:02 Social Barriers & Fitness Media
22:04 The Power of Role Models in Sport
26:18 Behind Stronger Like Her
29:27 Haley’s Strength Training Journey
32:23 Gender Equity & The US Women’s Soccer Team
39:58 The Future of Women’s Fitness
42:38 Lightning Round
51:02 Final Thoughts

🎧 Watch and listen on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.

Episode Quote:
“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” — Ayn Rand

📲 Connect with Haley at haleyshapley.com and follow her on Instagram @haleyshapley.

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/