Pre-Zero Sports Talk

Send us Fan Mail

In Episode #40, host Sid Bensalah interviews Walker Ferguson, a student-athlete, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for mental wellness. As a football safety for Wake Forest University and the co-founder of Ascend, a meditation app designed for personalized mindfulness, Walker has perfected the art of balancing athletics, academics, and entrepreneurship.

 This episode delves into the exciting playoff victory of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Buffalo Bills, emphasizing Patrick Mahomes’ talent and exploring how sports foster mental resilience. Walker shares his strategies for mindset, lessons in leadership, and faith-based methods for overcoming challenges, injuries, and the demands of Division 1 football. He discusses how Ascend’s AI-driven mindfulness technology transforms athlete recovery and mental health.

 Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone looking to enhance mental resilience, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring takeaways.

 (00:55) Chiefs vs. Bills – Breaking Down the Game

(02:39) Mahomes vs. Allen: The Playoff Rivalry

(06:53) Walker’s Early Life and Love for Sports

(08:16) The Entrepreneurial Spark & Launching Ascend

(10:49) How to Balance Football, Business, and Academics

(14:50) Overcoming Setbacks, Injuries & Mental Blocks

(20:11) The Birth of Ascend Meditation App & Its Mission

(31:46) AI-Driven Personalization in Mental Wellness

(36:52) Supporting Student-Athletes Beyond the Field

(42:11) The Role of Mentorship and Mental Coaching

(44:44) How Mindfulness & Meditation Improve Performance

(49:59) Walker’s Daily Faith & Gratitude Practices

(52:51) What It Takes to Lead in Sports & Entrepreneurship

(58:29) Navigating Setbacks, Rejection & the Power of Persistence

(01:01:38) Advice for Young Athletes & Future Entrepreneurs

(01:03:32) Lightning Round: Fun & Rapid-Fire Questions

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Stay inspired. Keep making a difference. See you next time.

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 If the Secret to Saving Our Planet Was Right Beneath Our Feet?

In Episode#39, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Samantha Jewel, a visionary in soil carbon and regenerative agriculture. With nearly three decades of experience, Samantha shares her compelling journey from managing her family’s restaurant empire to founding Urth.io, a platform helping farmers engage in carbon credits and adopt practices that restore soil health.

Together, they uncover the critical role of soil in addressing global challenges like climate change, human health, and even athletic performance. Samantha doesn’t just talk about ideas—she shares real-world stories, pivotal moments, and her relentless efforts to educate others, including writing children’s books to inspire future generations.

This is a conversation about more than just farming—it’s about human survival, our connection to the land, and the solutions that can lead us to a healthier planet. 

Tune in to learn why soil might be the hidden hero we’ve been overlooking.

Episode Timeline:

(00:57)  Samantha’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture.

 (08:04)  The Impact of Soil Health on Human and Environmental Well-Being.

 (10:00)  Challenges in Promoting Clean and Regenerative Practices.

 (16:01)  Soil Carbon’s Role in Combating Climate Change.

 (23:43) The Urth.io Story: Bridging Farmers and Sustainability.

 (39:38) The Importance of Frameworks in Environmental Regulations.

 (41:21) Corporate ESG Commitments: Promises vs. Reality.

 (44:24) Are Carbon Offset Programs Effective?
 
 (47:31) Soil Health and Its Impact on Human Nutrition.

 (56:53) Writing Children’s Books to Inspire Change.

 (01:05:16) How Soil Quality Connects to Sports Performance.

 (01:10:54) Lightning Round: Samantha’s Rapid-Fire Insights.

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 if you could unlock the secrets to mastering mental toughness and resilience, both on and off the field?

In this Pre-Zero Sports Talk podcast episode, host Sid Bensalah discusses Kate Allgood, a former elite ice hockey player who has become a mindset coach. Drawing on her extensive experience working with NHL players, UFC fighters, and military personnel, Kate explains how anyone can cultivate mental toughness and a resilient mindset.

From her journey as an athlete to coaching others through mental performance challenges, Kate provides actionable strategies for overcoming mental blocks, managing pressure, and rediscovering joy in what you do. She also offers valuable advice for young athletes dealing with social media and external expectations, emphasizing the importance of building confidence from within. The conversation concludes with a fun and insightful lightning round where Kate shares personal anecdotes and her life philosophy.

Episode Timeline:

• (00:54) Kate's Journey from Athlete to Mindset Coach
• (04:17) Understanding Mental Toughness
• (06:33) Building Mental Toughness and Confidence
• (07:54) Managing External and Internal Pressures
• (09:21) Navigating Social Media as an Athlete
• (18:15) Morning Routines and Resilience
• (23:14) Addressing Burnout and Rediscovering Joy
• (25:59) Common Mental Blocks Across Disciplines
• (28:21) Lightning Round Q&A

Connect with Kate:

• Learn more about her work: qpathlete.com
• Follow on Instagram: @qpathlete
• Watch on YouTube: Quantum Performance

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

From the Ice to Impact: Lewis Simon’s Journey of Purpose and Change

In this episode#37, host Sid Bensalah interviews Lewis Simon. They delve into Lewis's transition from a dedicated hockey player to the advocate and entrepreneur behind STY House, a youth apparel brand promoting concussion awareness. 

Lewis discusses the formative experiences of moving away from home at 15 to pursue hockey, dealing with multiple concussions, and the challenging decision to step away from the sport. After navigating the complex recovery process from brain injuries, he redirected his passion toward coaching young athletes and founding STY House. He emphasizes the dual mission of the brand—to provide stylish clothing while advocating for youth sports safety. The conversation also touches upon the evolving discussions around mental and physical health in sports, particularly concerning concussions and CTE. It highlights how his partnerships with the Concussion Legacy Foundation helped amplify his mission. 

The episode underlines Lewis's dedication to resilience, purpose, and making a lasting impact on and off the ice.

(00:00) From the Ice to Impact: Lewis Simon’s Journey of Purpose and Change

(00:05) Introduction to Lewis Simon's Journey

 (00:57) Early Love for Hockey

 (03:06) Facing Concussions and Adversity

 (05:14) Transitioning from Hockey to a New Purpose

 (09:02) Founding STY House and Concussion Awareness

 (12:05) The Concussion Legacy Foundation and its Community Impact

 (20:11) Coaching and Mentoring Young Athletes

 (28:56) Challenges and Changes in Sport Safety

 (36:46) The Problem with Youth Sports Culture

 (37:44) The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

 (38:25) Challenges and Rewards of Coaching

 (38:28) Building a Brand and a Legacy

 (40:08) Impacting Youth Sports Safety

 (44:07) Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights

 (58:31) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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 episode 36, host Sid Bensalah interviews Ronald Reich, a leadership development coach with over 30 years of experience. Ron shares actionable insights on emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and leadership excellence.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The role of emotional intelligence in decision-making and effective leadership.
• How to deliver constructive feedback without triggering defensiveness.
• The first steps to building high-performing teams in high-pressure environments.
• Strategies for handling conflict and repairing broken trust within teams.
• How leaders can develop resilience and avoid burnout in demanding roles.
• The importance of self-awareness and understanding personal strengths and limitations.

Highlights:

1. Ron’s transition from HR to executive coaching and lessons learned along the way.
2. A powerful feedback story that transformed a team dynamic.
3. Real-life examples of leaders navigating change and overcoming resistance.
4. How emotional intelligence and empathy shape successful leadership.

Quickfire Q&A:
Ron also answers lightning-round questions, sharing his favorite leadership book, advice for self-awareness, and his perspective on building resilience.

Quote from the Episode:
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." — John Wooden

Tune in to gain practical leadership insights and strategies to transform your team leadership approach.

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

 Dr. Michael Hutchinson, neuromuscular dentist and inventor of the NeuroGuard Plus, explains how cutting-edge technology is reshaping athlete safety. From jaw positioning to concussion prevention, this episode highlights why rethinking sports protection is essential for athletes of all levels.

(0:43) The Evolution of NeuroGuard Plus

• Dr. Hutchinson shares how his TMJ treatments inspired the development of sports-focused innovations.

(02:20) Breakthrough with Powerlifting

• The story of a 65-year-old police chief breaking world records after using NeuroGuard Plus.

(07:00) How Jaw Positioning Enhances Strength and Prevents Concussions

• The science behind jaw positioning’s impact on performance and safety.

(14:00) Traditional vs. NeuroGuard Plus: The Key Differences

• Why lower jaw positioning and oxygen intake matter for athletes.

(20:00) Addressing Skepticism in Sports Safety Innovation

• Overcoming misconceptions about mouthguards and proving their role in concussion prevention.

(39:22) Advice to Young Athletes: Smart Training and Lifelong Learning

• Dr. Hutchinson’s practical advice: “Never quit, and always be the first on the field and the last to leave.”

(40:27) Favorite Success Stories from His Work

• Transformative outcomes for athletes and how NeuroGuard Plus changed their lives.

(42:40) Historical Dinner Guest: Abraham Lincoln

• Why Lincoln’s humility and leadership make him an inspiring figure.

(44:29) Worst Career Advice: “Stick to the Status Quo”

• How bad advice early in his career fueled Dr. Hutchinson’s drive to innovate.

(45:59) Next Big Goals:

• Expand NeuroGuard Plus into major retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods.
• Secure endorsements from international governing bodies.
• Arrange a meeting with President Trump to elevate awareness of sports safety.

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 the first episode of Season 3 of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, Sid Bensalah sits down with Kevin Warren, the host of the Sports Chasers Podcast. Kevin shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn, New York, with a deep love for sports, influenced by his father, a former minor league baseball player, to becoming a leading voice in independent sports media.

Together, Sid and Kevin discuss:

• How growing up in Brooklyn shaped Kevin’s passion for sports.
• The origins of the Sports Chasers Podcast and its unique approach to covering both popular and underrepresented sports.
• The transition from audio to visual media during COVID-19 and how it changed the game for independent podcasters.
• Kevin’s take on authenticity in sports coverage and why staying objective matters.
• The role of sports in fostering community connections and creating opportunities for dialogue.
• Challenges in podcasting and advice for aspiring hosts.
• Tackling important topics like representation, diversity, and sustainability in sports media.

Highlights:

• Kevin’s story of turning casual sports debates with friends into a podcast platform that champions honest and unbiased sports coverage.
• Insights into the hard work behind running a successful sports podcast, from content creation to balancing audio and video production.
• Personal reflections on community building through sports and the lessons learned from six years of podcasting.
• Kevin’s thoughts on the evolving role of independent sports media in challenging legacy narratives.

Lightning Round Questions Answered:

• Kevin’s all-time favorite sports moment.
• The sport he found hardest to master.
• A surprising fact about Kevin that might leave you hungry for more!

Where to Connect with Kevin: Visit the Sports Chasers Podcast website at sportschaserspodcast.net to learn more about their work, join the conversation, or connect with Kevin and his team.

Quote to Remember: "Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does." – Nelson Mandela.

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

Final Episode of Season 2

What if technology could create prosperity while prioritizing sustainability?
In this episode, Sid Bensalah is joined by Eric McHugh, President of SHOP-X Labs (currently undergoing a merger to become ACES.FUN) and Chief Growth Officer at Dataing, to discuss how Web3, AI, and cryptocurrencies are shaping the future of innovation. Eric’s insights into decentralization, community, and personal growth make this conversation perfect for closing out Season 2.

Topics We Cover:

• Web3 and the power of decentralized ownership.
• The role of culture and influencers like Elon Musk in the rise of meme coins.
• Overcoming challenges in Web3: scalability, regulation, and adoption.
• How sustainability intersects with innovation in emerging technologies.
• Personal growth, mindfulness, and finding focus in a fast-changing world.

Lightning Round Highlights:

• Eric’s favorite book and why it’s so impactful.
• Eric’s go-to unwind activities.
• The one piece of tech he can’t live without.
• His surprising hobbies and advice for entrepreneurs.
• Eric spoke about Hermes Trismegistus's wisdom and Miyamoto Musashi's teachings.
• His admiration for leaders like Jack Dorsey and their impact on technology.
• Personal reflections on growth, mindfulness, and staying grounded.
  
  

This season finale isn’t just about technology—it’s about the human side of innovation and how we can align progress with purpose.

Stay Connected: Visit https://prezerosportstalk.com to catch up on all episodes, and stay tuned for the launch of Season 3 in 2025.

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, our host, Sid Bensalah, speaks with Laurel Colless, a passionate climate advocate, science fantasy author, and educator. Laurel shares how her storytelling inspires children to engage with sustainability and take ownership of our planet’s future. Through her innovative series, The Carbon Busters Club, she combines science and fantasy to address one of humanity's most pressing challenges—climate change.

What You’ll Learn:

• Laurel’s pivot from the corporate world to educating young minds.
• The role of storytelling in making complex issues like climate change relatable for children.
• Why embedding sustainability into school curriculums is still a challenge globally.
• The importance of connecting with nature and fostering curiosity at home.
• Insight into how young climate activists are leading movements and even challenging governments.
• How Laurel’s books use magical realism to empower children to be part of the solution.
• A simple approach to understanding greenwashing and its impact on environmental movements.

Key Takeaways:

• Storytelling is a powerful tool to instill hope and action in young people while addressing urgent environmental issues.
• Climate change education is most impactful when it starts early and includes community-driven actions.
• Young activists are becoming a significant force in holding leaders accountable for climate promises.

Lightning Round Highlights:

• Favorite Book: The Once and Future King by T. H. White—a classic tale about King Arthur. Did you know J.K. Rowling used this book as inspiration for the Harry Potter series?
• Historical Inspiration: Kate Sheppard, leader of the suffragette movement in New Zealand, was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893.

Don’t miss Laurel’s perspective on the intersection of creativity, education, and climate advocacy.

Links and Resources:

• Visit Laurel’s website: laurelcolless.com
• Follow Laurel on Instagram

Tune in now and discover how the stories we tell today can shape a more sustainable tomorrow!

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, Sid Bensalah speaks with Daina Rasutis, a Nutrition Therapist Master, about the critical connection between gut health and athletic performance. Daina explains how gut imbalances affect energy, recovery, and focus and what athletes can do to avoid common pitfalls.

From hidden gut disruptors to the surprising impact of “clean” foods, Daina reveals what you need to know to boost performance and recovery. She also shares how functional lab testing can detect food sensitivities, chronic inflammation, and digestive issues that could hold you back.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How gut health affects energy, focus, and performance.
• Why gut inflammation slows recovery and training progress.
• How to recognize “healthy” foods that may harm your gut.
• The difference between prebiotics and probiotics — and why you need both.
• The dangers of ultra-processed foods on gut and brain health.

Key Takeaways:

• Root Cause Matters: Digestive issues, bloating, and skin conditions are often linked to gut health.
• Athlete-Specific Strategies: Learn how athletes can fine-tune nutrition to improve energy, recovery, and performance.
• Simple Steps You Can Take: Daina shares practical actions anyone can take, such as using functional tests or avoiding certain foods.

Memorable Quotes:

“If your gut health is off, you won’t get the recovery or the gains you’re working for.” — Daina Rasutis“No matter where your makeup comes from — big brands, boutique brands, or 'clean beauty' — most of it still contains chemicals.” — Sid Bensalah.

About Our Guest:

Daina Rasutis is a Nutrition Therapist Master and founder of Table to Crave. She helps clients improve their gut health, skin clarity, and energy by empowering them to make meaningful, lasting changes through functional testing and personalized nutrition strategies.

Connect with Daina on Instagram: @tabletocrave

This episode offers fresh perspectives on how gut health affects athlete performance. Listen now and take control of your gut health!

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/