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Can one simple material help fight climate change, improve soil health, and turn waste into something useful? The answer is biochar—a powerful, carbon-rich product that’s gaining traction worldwide.

In this episode, our host, Sid Bensalah, talks with John Webster, former tech executive turned biochar advocate, and shares how biochar could become a key tool in climate action. He explains biochar, how it works, and its surprising applications across agriculture, construction, and even water filtration. From his journey to his role in the U.S. Biochar movement, John examines why biochar is much more than "fancy charcoal."

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• What biochar is and how it captures carbon for centuries.
• Why biochar is being used in farming, construction, and water purification.
• How biochar is used in concrete, drywall, and everyday products.
• How John went from tech to climate action—and why it matters.
• Why biochar is a key player in the emerging carbon credit economy.

Connect with John Webster:

• John on LinkedIn
• [email protected]

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• US Biochar Initiative | LinkedIn
• Biochar On-Site Network | LinkedIn
• International Biochar Initiative

Biochar is more than just a material—it’s a solution for carbon capture, soil health, and sustainability. Listen to this episode and discover how this ancient practice shapes modern climate solutions.

Listen now and be part of the climate 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/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah talks with Kirk McCarley, a leadership coach, and founder of The Seed Sower Coach with a fascinating background in corporate HR, executive coaching, and working as a statistician for ESPN. Kirk shares how emotional intelligence (EQ) is the key to effective leadership in sports and business.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Kirk’s journey shaped his approach to leadership and EQ.
• Why listening is a critical skill for leaders and how to improve it.
• Balancing accountability and empathy in high-performance environments.
• Lessons from sports that apply to business leadership.
• How cultural and generational factors influence communication styles.

Key Highlights:

• The Power of Listening: Practical ways to slow down and create meaningful connections.
• Leadership Styles: The differences between enthusiastic, vocal leaders and those who lead quietly by example.
• Pause and Reflect: Kirk explains how to manage high-energy conversations by practicing the art of pause.

Quote of the Episode: "Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." – Pat Summitt 

Whether you’re a coach, executive, or team leader, this episode will inspire you to lead authentically and purposefully.

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

Coaching is more than winning games—it’s about shaping lives, building trust, and fostering growth. In this episode, our host, Sid Bensalah, speaks with Dr. Rob Ramseyer, co-founder of the Impactful Coaching Project, to explore coaching beyond the game. Rob brings decades of experience as a coach, athletic director, and leadership expert. His approach blends accountability, empathy, and a deep understanding of the modern athlete, making this conversation invaluable for anyone in sports or leadership.

Rob’s experiences as a young head coach inspired the Impactful Coaching Project, which equips coaches with tools to lead with purpose and build deeper connections. He highlights how communication, team-building, and culture drive coaching success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The story behind the Impactful Coaching Project and why it’s transforming coaching.
• How accountability and empathy work together to build trust and resilience.
• Why coaching the whole person—mind, body, and character—is critical for athlete development.
• Practical strategies to navigate and influence organizational culture as a coach.
• How technology has changed the role of the modern coach, for better and worse.
• Approaches to managing athlete safety, including head injuries, and fostering mental health.

Rob also discusses how he integrates systems of care into coaching to ensure every athlete feels supported. From simple practices like daily affirmations to more profound cultural shifts, his methods create environments where athletes can thrive on and off the field.

Special Mention:
Rob, co-author with Dustin Galyon, recently released his new book, "Leading and Coaching the 21st Century Athlete. " This insightful book provides practical strategies for coaches to create impactful, athlete-centered environments. It is available now on Amazon.

Lightning Round Highlights:

• Rob shares his favorite book, best career advice, and lessons learned as a coach.
• His candid take on balancing family, leadership, and personal growth.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or leader in any field, this episode offers actionable insights to help you lead authentically, build trust, and inspire growth.

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 Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast episode, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Jaclyn Strominger, founder of the LEAP Foundation. Jaclyn transitioned from corporate life to coaching, helping leaders transform themselves and their teams by focusing on mindset, vision, and accountability.

Key Takeaways:

• Jaclyn's Shift to Coaching: Discover what pushed Jaclyn to leave a corporate career for coaching and why helping others became her true passion.
• LEAP Framework: LEAP stands for Communication, Energy, Action, and Performance. Jaclyn explains how these elements create effective leaders.
• Accountability and Empathy in Leadership: Jaclyn explains why balancing empathy and accountability is vital to successful leadership.
• Energy Leadership Index: A unique tool Jaclyn uses to help leaders understand their energy levels and how they impact their teams.
• Mindset and Vision in Practice: Learn practical strategies for aligning your daily actions with your bigger vision and staying accountable to your goals.

Lightning Round Highlights:

• Historical Dinner Guest: Cleopatra.
• Book Recommendation: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy.
• Daily Ritual: Peloton rides for maintaining focus and energy.

Jaclyn’s insights are practical and actionable. If you want to grow as a leader, align your actions with your goals, or understand how empathy and accountability coexist in leadership, this episode is for you. Join us as we unpack real-world leadership strategies, explore Jaclyn's experiences, and discover how mindset and accountability can lead to meaningful growth.

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, had the privilege of speaking with John Vallely, a former UCLA basketball star, and Paul Weissenstein, co-author of The Pyramid Principle, published by SpiritMedia.US. John’s story is not just about sports; it’s about resilience, love, and finding purpose through life’s trials. From playing under legendary coach John Wooden to overcoming personal challenges, John’s journey offers us valuable lessons.

John shares how Coach Wooden's "Pyramid of Success" shaped his championship wins and approach to life’s most challenging moments. With Paul’s insights on writing the book, they reveal a story rich in family, leadership, and personal growth.

Key discussion points include:

• Lessons from working at his father's boat rental business that shaped John's discipline and character.
• Playing for Coach Wooden and being part of the historic UCLA dynasty.
• Why John wrote The Pyramid Principle and what he hopes readers will gain.
• The role of Karen, his "perfect teammate," in triumph and loss.
• The book's dedication to his son Eric and how Eric supported John during his toughest moments.
• Reflections on racial issues in sports, from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s era to today.
• Challenges John faced, including losing his daughter Erin and battling cancer twice, and the role of faith in resilience.
• How Coach Wooden's lessons remain relevant today beyond sports.

Plus, hear about Marvin Gaye, beach volleyball, and John’s favorite memories in a fun lightning Q&A.

Tune in for:

• Insights on resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
• Honest reflections on overcoming adversity and finding strength.
• Behind-the-scenes stories that shaped a champion.

This episode is filled with wisdom from an era of basketball legends, family love, and life lessons that resonate far beyond the game. On November 19th, you can get a copy of The Pyramid Principle at thepyramidprinciple.org, spiritmedia.us/tpp, or Amazon. Let’s learn from greatness together.

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, we talk with Georgina Donahue, a community-building expert who shares her practical insights on creating genuine, long-lasting connections. Georgina has spent over a decade helping brands build trust and loyalty by focusing on the fundamentals of community engagement. This conversation covers the key strategies, challenges, and rewards of creating a space where people feel connected to a brand and each other.

You’ll learn about:

• The Basics of Community Building: Why it’s more than just bringing people together.
• Building Trust Over Time: How patience and consistent actions build lasting loyalty.
• Measuring Success: How to track the impact of community initiatives beyond basic metrics.
• Customer Experience and Loyalty: Why the way you make people feel matters as much as the product itself.
• Navigating Community Challenges: What to do when things don’t go as planned and how to pivot effectively.
• Lessons from the Sports World: How sports teams can build meaningful connections with fans and create lasting loyalty.

Key Moments:

1. [00:02:00] – Georgina shares what inspired her to focus on community building.
2. [00:05:00] – Examples of how Sephora and other brands create vibrant, loyal communities.
3. [00:09:00] – Exploring the role of trust and the challenges of managing diverse online spaces.
4. [00:14:00] – How to foster connection in sports and other passion-driven industries.
5. [00:24:00] – The importance of balancing authenticity with smart messaging, even during PR crises.
6. [00:33:00] – Why storytelling matters in leadership and how it can transform team dynamics.

Why Listen?

This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone working to build a stronger connection with their audience, whether you’re in business, sports, or community management. Georgina’s approach is straightforward, emphasizing trust, authenticity, and the value of small, consistent efforts over time. You’ll leave with a fresh perspective on community engagement and practical steps for making people feel valued and connected.

Tune in to learn how trust and authenticity drive community success.

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 Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast episode, Sid Bensalah sits down with Yosi Kossowsky, a leadership coach with over three decades in executive roles and 17 years in coaching. Yosi blends neuroscience with leadership principles to help leaders, coaches, and athletes unlock their potential and grow.

Key Topics Covered:

• Neuroscience in Coaching: Yosi explains how understanding the brain can help leaders and athletes handle pressure. Learn stress management strategies grounded in neuroscience to boost performance.
• Leadership Styles: Yosi contrasts two main leadership styles, one focusing on accountability and the other on empathy. He shares insights on balancing these approaches for effective coaching.
• Growth Mindset: YYosi discusses fostering a growth mindset in challenging environments. He discusses shifting from blame and judgment to learning and improvement.
• Emotional Intelligence: Self-awareness is at the core of emotional intelligence. Yosi shares how leaders can build these skills to improve team relationships on the field and in the boardroom.
• Diversity in Leadership: Yosi shares strategies for leading diverse teams, stressing the importance of empathy and understanding cultural nuances to build trust and effective followership.
• Overcoming Resistance to Change: Yosi addresses why many leaders resist change and how they can shift their mindset. He introduces tools like neurolinguistic programming to explore the "worst and best case" outcomes to overcome fear.

Lightning Round Highlights:

• The best book Yosi has read recently.
• Advice for U.S. presidential candidates.
• What Yosi values in personal habits, leadership, and growth.

Tune in for practical leadership strategies, neuroscience-backed insights, and ways to foster growth, whether coaching on the field or leading a team in the office.

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, Sid Bensalah sits down with Jeff Patterson, martial artist, coach, author, and creator of the Yielding Warrior Method. Jeff’s unique approach blends physical, mental, and emotional yielding, giving athletes and professionals alike a way to unlock performance, resilience, and clarity through martial arts and meditation practices.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Yielding Warrior Method
  • How Jeff’s martial arts journey inspired a method that prioritizes awareness over brute force.
  • Differences between physical, mental, and emotional yielding, and how each enhances performance and personal growth.
• Meditation and Mindset
  • Why Jeff’s meditation approach is practical and tailored for the sports world.
  • Common myths about meditation in athletics and how yielding improves focus and resilience.
  • Stories of athletes who’ve overcome mental barriers through yielding and meditation.
• Challenges and Mental Training
  • The biggest obstacles athletes face when integrating mental practices.
  • Strategies for dealing with distractions, setbacks, and burnout.
  • The five pillars of Jeff’s meditation practice are body, breath, mind, energy, and spirit.
• The Future of Mental Toughness in Sports
  • How Jeff sees meditation evolving in athletic training over the next decade.
  • Practical advice for athletes and coaches aiming to build mental resilience.

Lightning Round Insights: Jeff shares his favorite mental resilience practice, his biggest influences, and advice for those looking to elevate their mindset.

Resources:

• Jeff’s Book: The Yielding Warrior
  • Get it on Amazon or at theyieldingwarrior.com/book.

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, Sid Bensalah talks with Brian Joseph, an animal care, conservation, and former U.S. Army Veterinary Corps major. Brian shares remarkable stories from his work with marine animals to military dogs, offering unique insights into animal welfare, climate change, and global sustainability. With compassion and deep reflection, Brian explores the ethical dilemmas of captivity, the challenges of conservation, and the profound impact animals—especially dogs—have had on his life.

Key Topics:

• Early inspiration from Dr. Charles Schroeder and the San Diego Zoo.
• Brian’s military service and bond with his military dog, Ringo.
• The ethical debate surrounding animal captivity and its role in modern conservation.
• Climate change as a global security threat and its impact on migration.
• Brian’s current work with Lifestock Int'l and Dr. Corrie Brown  helping smallholder farmers develop sustainable practices in developing countries.
• How animals, particularly dogs, teach us about loyalty, resilience, and living in the moment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Personal Influence: Key figures like Dr. Charles Schroeder and military colleagues like Officer Dr. Lea Smith shaped Brian’s journey and fueled his passion for animal care and conservation.
2. Military and Conservation: His service deepened his understanding of global issues affecting wildlife and human communities, like climate change.
3. Future Projects: Brian’s involvement with Lifestock International highlights his commitment to sustainable agriculture and animal care in underserved regions.
4. Lessons from Animals: Dogs have profoundly impacted Brian’s perspective on life, offering lessons in love, sacrifice, and living fully.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Dogs didn’t just bond with us—we bonded with them. In many ways, they domesticated us.”
• “The greatest global threat is not just war; it’s climate change.”

Special Offer: Leave a review to enter a giveaway for a signed copy of Brian’s book I Wish the Rainbow Bridge Had Visiting Hours.

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, we sit down with Michael Seiler, an endurance and mindset coach based in Louisville, Kentucky, and co-founder of Metta Performance, along with Holly Benner. This brand combines endurance coaching with executive leadership training. Michael’s approach focuses on creating sustainable success by aligning the mind, body, and soul of both athletes and corporate leaders.

We discuss:

• The inspiration behind founding Metta Performance and its evolution from Metta Endurance.
• Why aligning values with performance is crucial for long-term success.
• How principles from endurance coaching translate into leadership in business.
• Strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and building mental resilience.
• The role of technology, such as wearables and data analytics, in modern coaching.
• Balancing high-performance work with rest and recovery for sustainable results.

Tune in to learn how Michael’s holistic methods can help you achieve sustainable high performance in sports and business.

Links:

• Website: Metta Performance
• Instagram: @metta.performance
• You can read more about the merger of Metta Endurance and Metta Performance here.

Connect with Holly Benner:

• Instagram: @holly.a.benner

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk. I’m your host, Sid Bensalah. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, visit PreZeroSportsTalk.com for expert insights, in-depth episodes, and access to our entire podcast library. Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep pushing your limits.

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/