Run Along

Jen Armbruster’s life changed forever when she lost her vision at 14 years old. Not long after, she embarked on a path that would lead her to 7 Paralympic Games and a reputation as one of the greatest American goalball players of all time. The sport got her through  emotional periods, tightened bonds with her family and even gave her a child. Now, 4 years out from her final game, she’s finding ways to carry over the lessons she cherishes most from her 28-year career. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

While playing pro overseas, Malcolm Lemmons realized he hadn’t thought a lot about what he might want to do after basketball. So he started writing. Now, the entrepreneur and author helps athletes build their personal brands and prepare for life after sports. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

In collaboration with Women Don’t Do That podcast, the host’s story of athlete identity and transition to life after sport. 

Why do so many retired pros file for bankruptcy? How are the athletes of today in a better position to financially protect themselves than those from decades past? What do female pro athletes need to consider in planning for their financial future? Carlos Dias Jr., a financial advisor experienced in working with pro athletes, discusses it all on today’s show. He also drops a nug or two of wisdom for us regular retired athletes. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Sports shaped Michelle Staggers. It provided her with the most formative experiences of her life, taught her lessons and led her to her people. But there’s a difference, she recognized, between a “ball is life” mentality and a “ball helps life” one. In sport, Michelle strove to conceptualize herself as worthy beyond her athletic abilities and now works to help other Black athletes do the same. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

John Wilson IV has played tennis for pretty much his whole life. So did his dad John. So did his grandpa John. This John learned early on that the path these male athletes in his family chose was an uncommon one. Growing up in Dallas and then going on to play collegiately at an HBCU, his experiences in tennis helped to reveal his passion in speaking up to remedy deeply harmful status quos -- both on the court and off. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

Is there any difference between the retirement experience of a Swedish athlete vs. an American vs. a Russian? Today, a look into research that shows the powerful ways culture influences the transition to life after sport.

Former USWNT goalkeeper Saskia Webber was a part of one of the greatest moments in sports history. 4 years after that summer, Webber put away her gloves for good, burnt out from the grind of being a pro female athlete. She separated herself from the sport for years...or at least, tried to. Now, she’s UCLA’s goalkeeper coach and an owner of the brand-spankin’ new Angel City SC. Listen to her story now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Competitive eating came into Tim “Eater X” Janus’ life in a really serendipitous way. For a long time, he felt like the fun, financial reward and sense of structure he enjoyed being in this world was what mattered most. That was until he really started to grasp what his pro eating lifestyle might put him at risk for. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.