Student Athlete Performance

You’re checking the protein box—but still not building muscle, or leaning out.

Why? Because you’re stuck in what Nick calls “The Protein Trap.”

In this solo episode, Nick shares the real stories of two athletes—one trying to bulk, the other trying to lean—and why both stalled despite hitting all their protein goals. The episode breaks down the 5 most common protein mistakes, and what to do instead to actually see results.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

1. Too much protein = not enough calories
2. Carbs matter—especially pre- and post-workout
3. Why protein shakes might be hurting you
4. The sleep → recovery → performance connection
5. The full fuel formula, not just “eat more protein”

💬 Which one do you need to fix—carbs, timing, or recovery?

🔗 Follow Nick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerd

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

You want to play D1. But most athletes are still training like it’s just about lifting heavier or grinding harder.

Coach Tommy Boyer Kendrick breaks down how to actually train like a future college athlete. We cover real stories, training myths, movement mistakes, and the exact foundation that sets apart the few who make it.

Coach TBK brings 30+ years of experience working with NFL, NBA, and Olympic athletes, but his heart is with the student-athlete. This episode is a wake-up call for every athlete who wants to go beyond average.

💬 What’s one thing in your training you’re going to upgrade after this?

🔗 Connect with Coach Tommy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommyb_k/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/tommyb_k

Coaches say avoid it. Parents stress about it. But for athletes pushing their limits, sugar might actually help—if you know how to use it.

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most common questions in sports nutrition. You’ll get the truth about sugar: the good, the bad, and how to make it work for your performance.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Why sugar isn’t automatically bad for athletes

• The best times to actually use sugar for performance

• How too much sugar can lead to soreness, inflammation, and injury

• What pro athletes get wrong about sugar (and what they get right)

• Simple ways to reduce sugar cravings without cutting it cold turkey

💬 What’s one sugar habit you need to change?

🔗 Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerd

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

Tired All the Time? This Is Probably Why.

Athletes—you’re not overtrained, you’re under-recovered.

In this real and research-backed episode, we break down how caffeine, screen time, late-night eating, and sleep inconsistency are crushing your energy, gains, and long-term performance.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• The caffeine trap most teen athletes fall into

• How poor sleep slows muscle growth and increases body fat

• What growth hormone really does—and how to boost it naturally

• The #1 sleep habit that keeps athletes injured

• What to eat before bed to actually help your recovery

• Why blackout curtains, magnesium, and a fan might save your season

💬 Drop a Comment:

What’s one thing you’re doing that’s probably hurting your recovery more than helping it?

🔗 Follow Nick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerd

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

Most people think Bat Boys just hand out helmets. But for Billy Pinkney—aka Billy the Batboy—it was a launchpad into a career learning directly from the pros.

In this episode, Billy shares the real lessons athletes need to hear: from clubhouse wisdom to what separates average players from future stars. Whether you're a player, a parent, or just love the game, this one hits deep.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• The secret to earning respect (even when you’re the youngest one there)

• What top athletes do behind the scenes that no one talks about

• Why most players fail to match their dreams with their work ethic

• The power of fundamentals—and how pros still use them every day

• Why “winners lose more than losers lose”

💬 What’s one lesson from Billy’s journey that hit home for you?

🔗 Connect with Billy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billythebatboy

Website: https://www.billythebatboy.com/

You’re playing back-to-back games. You’re tired, bloated, or just off—and it might be your food.

In this episode, we break down exactly how to fuel during travel weekends, even if you're stuck with gas stations, hotels, and fast food. From hydration to habits to how to prep ahead, this episode is a game changer for athletes and parents trying to keep performance high when options are low.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Why “just grabbing something” can kill your performance

• How to stay fueled—even if your hotel has no kitchen

• Top gas station picks that actually work

• When to eat between games to stay energized

• How to keep weight up and recovery on track during tournament weekends

💬 Comment Prompt:

What’s your go-to travel meal or snack that helps you play your best?

🔗 Follow Nick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerd

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

Leadership doesn’t come from clapping louder or giving better pregame speeches. It’s how you carry yourself when no one’s watching—and what you do when everything goes wrong.

In this episode, Greg Holcomb of Next Level Athletix—who’s trained elite QBs like J.J. McCarthy—dives into what real leadership looks like on and off the field. Whether you're a quarterback, a coach, or any athlete who wants to lead better, this episode will challenge the way you think.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• The truth about “natural-born” leaders vs. developed leadership

• How to take full ownership—even when it’s not your fault

• Why players follow some teammates and ignore others

• How to lead after a bad mistake or tough game

• The mental training athletes skip (but shouldn’t)

💬 What’s one leadership skill you wanna develop right now?

🔗 Connect with Greg Holcomb & Next Level Athletix:

Website: https://www.nxtlevelatx.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlevelatx/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/NxtLevelAtx

You’ve got the grind, the gains, the highlights. But what happens when no one’s watching?

In this episode, Nick opens up about the silent mental battles so many athletes face—but rarely talk about. And to drive it home, former Olympian Josh shares a powerful message that might hit harder than any weight you’ve lifted.

🎯 Key Takeaways:• Why athletes often feel pressure to perform—but never permission to struggle• The difference between validation and real love (ft. former Olympian Josh)• The hidden signs of self-destruction and emotional burnout• What to do if you’re silently fighting—and how to get real support• How connection and conversation can save lives

💬 What’s one thing you’ve been carrying that needs to be talked about?

🔗 Connect with Nick:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

You’ve heard “control the controllables”—but what does that actually mean when you’re 0 for 12 at the plate or just threw a pick?

In this episode, mental performance consultant Michael Huber joins Nick to break down real scenarios every athlete faces—from bouncing back after a mistake to navigating pressure, confidence, and even parenting dynamics.

🎯 Key Takeaways:
🔹 How athletes can shift focus in the moment and reset mentally
🔹 Why “I am him” only works if you actually believe it—and how to get there
🔹 The truth about Gen Z athletes and what they really need from adults
🔹 Why parents need to learn to reset too
🔹 How to build real confidence, not just surface-level hype

🔗 Connect with Michael Huber:
Website: https://michaelvhuber.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.huber.77920

🔗 Connect with Nick Lemke:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerd
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

💬 What’s one mental habit you need to reset this week? Drop it in the comments!

Looking the part isn’t enough. Just because you’ve got the size and strength doesn’t mean college coaches are sold.

In this solo episode, Nick Lemke breaks down why appearance doesn’t guarantee performance—or offers—and how a real meal plan can change the game.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Why college offers aren’t based on size alone
• The role of a strategic meal plan in performance
• How mindset shifts picky eating into performance eating
• The 4 pillars of a winning meal plan: consistency, quality, timing, and adaptability
• Why passing the eye test isn’t enough—you need to pass the performance test

📱 Text “PERFORMANCE” to 253‑470‑2423 to build a meal plan that backs up your game.

🔗 Connect with Nick Lemke:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerd
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

💬 What’s one thing you’re changing this week to level up your performance? Drop it in the comments!