In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of AthleteDevelopment at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Igor Shpilband, one of the most influential coaches in ice dance and a former World Junior Champion, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it really takes to build elite skaters and world-class programs.

From his early roots in skating and coaching to working withathletes representing multiple countries, Igor shares how he develops trust, precision, and performance under pressure. He breaks down what judges are actually looking for, how storylines and details are built from the ground up, and why the best training environments balance technical mastery with clear purpose. Along the way, he offers perspective and advice that applies to any athlete, parent, or coach trying to navigate the sport at a higher level.

Together, they dive into:
• Igor’s skating and coaching origins and what shaped his approach
• Coaching athletes across multiple countries and cultures
• Working with pairs and building high-level partnerships
• How programs are constructed: details, consistency, and performance quality
• Storylines, interpretation, and the “why” behind choreography choices
• Judging: what matters most, what gets rewarded, and common misconceptions
• Advice for skaters, parents, and coaches on growth, longevity, and next steps

If you love figure skating or you’re inside it every day,this episode delivers a rare look into the coaching mindset that shapes champions.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Kate Kelley Schneider, psychotherapist, lifelong athlete, and founder of Pure Sports Mindset for a practical conversation on building mental strength that lasts beyond wins, losses, and seasons.

As a coach’s daughter with a background in sports consulting and mental health counseling, Kate works with athletes, parents, coaches, and athletic departments to strengthen mindset, resilience, and identity in sport.

Together, they dive into:
• 25 mindfulness techniques (with examples athletes can actually do)
• Dealing with failure and bouncing back with purpose
• Being well-rounded and not letting sports consume your identity
• Embracing the growth edge and why discomfort can be the work
• Identity shifts and life after sports & how athletes navigate the transition
• Working through injury - mentally, emotionally, and practically
• Kate’s Next Play podcast and the themes she sees most in athletes today
• How teams and organizations can build real mental health initiatives

If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach who wants tools for confidence, resilience, and healthy high performance, this episode delivers.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Cam Fowler for a behind-the-scenes conversation about his memorable experience in Sochi in 2014 from the unique team announcement process to what it’s really like living inside the village.

Cam shares the emotions and intensity of the first game, what it meant to score his first goal of the tournament against Russia, and the real adjustments required when you shift from the NHL to international competition in a short-window, high-pressure environment. Along the way, he offers stories, perspective, and advice that applies to any athlete chasing the next level.

Together, they dive into:

• The team announcement and what it’s like to get the call

• Sochi and life inside the village

• First game nerves and settling in fast

• Scoring his first goal of the tournament vs. Russia

• Adjusting from the NHL to international pace, style, and rules

• Practical advice for players on preparation, confidence, and adaptability

If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode delivers a rare look at what changes and what matters most when the stage gets bigger.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of AthleteDevelopment at Suburban Sports Group & former NHL scout) sits down with ice dancer Alex Gamelin, a 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games competitor, World Championships veteran, and two-time South Korean National Ice Dance Champion.

Together they dive into:
• Alex’s early beginnings in figure skating and falling in love with ice dance
• Navigating major transitions, including pivoting to a new partner and representing South Korea
• Competing on the world’s biggest stage at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang
• The emotional and practical transition from elite athlete to coach
• Honest advice for young skaters and parents navigating long-term athlete development

Alex shares a rare perspective shaped by elite international competition, cultural adaptability, and years of coachingathletes at every level, from Learn to Skate to world-ranked competitors. This episode offers powerful insight into resilience, reinvention, and how experience at the highest level can shape the next generation of athletes.

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If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someonewho wants to get a little better.

Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab – https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/

Follow us:
• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast

#AthleteDevelopment #FigureSkating #IceDance #Olympian#Coaching #YouthAthletes #MentalPerformance #TheAthleteLab

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Cole Walter, Lead Instructor at The Program, for a direct conversation about standards, service, and the kind of mental toughness that’s built through consistency, not hype.

Cole served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps and retired as a First Sergeant, completing multiple combat deployments, including two to Afghanistan with Marine Corps Special Operations in Helmand Province. Drawing from a career that demanded discipline under pressure, Cole shares the values he believes create high performers: selflessness, accountability, and surrounding yourself with high-caliber people who won’t let you drift.

Together, they dive into:

• Cole’s military experiences and the lessons that still guide him today

• The values and attributes that separate dependable leaders from “almost”

• Accountability and ownership when motivation fades

• Building real mental toughness through habits, standards, and reps

• Life after the military: identity, purpose, and continuing to serve

• How to challenge athletes while still connecting with them

• What The Program is really training when it comes to character and mindset

Cole’s background as a Drill Instructor, firearms instructor, martial arts blackbelt instructor, and military skydiver gives this episode a different kind of credibility, one rooted in lived standards. If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach who wants a clearer roadmap for grit, leadership, and personal responsibility, this episode delivers.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Dillon Kelley, Director of Sports Performance at the Athlete Lab, powered by 2SP Sports Performance. He is also a former professional goaltender, mobility specialist, and founder of DK Mobility.

From starting to play goalie as a freshman in high school to becoming the first goalie to climb from the lowest level of professional hockey (FPHL) to the American Hockey League (AHL), Dillon’s journey is a powerful case study in resilience, adaptability, and elite habit-building. A multi-sport athlete at Adrian College with a degree in Exercise Science, Dillon shares how setbacks, humility, and relentless off-season work shaped both his playing career and his transition into coaching and athlete development.

Together, they dive into:
• Dillon’s early days in sports and the impact of being a multi-sport athlete
• His path through junior, NCAA Division III hockey at Adrian College, and the professional ranks
• Lessons learned from playing and staying prepared
• Building confidence, consistency, and mental toughness over time
• The creation of DK Mobility and why functional movement matters
• How elite habits are built in the margins on and off the ice
• Connecting authentically with athletes and meeting them where they are

Dillon’s story is a reminder that development isn’t linear and that belief, preparation, and daily habits can change the trajectory of a career. Whether you’re an athlete grinding for the next opportunity, a coach developing talent, or a parent supporting the journey, this episode offers real perspective on what it takes to keep going.

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and performance experts.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who’s chasing their next level.

Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab (https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/)

• 2SP Sports Performance (https://www.2spsportsperformance.com/)

• DK Mobility (https://www.progoaliedevelopment.com/)

Follow us:
• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit

• Guest Instagram: @DKTheMobilityGuy
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast

#AthleteDevelopment #DillonKelley #GoalieDevelopment#MobilityTraining #EliteHabits #AthleteLab #HockeyDevelopment #Resilience#PlayerPathway

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Sean Hogan, Executive Director of College Hockey Inc., to break down the evolving landscape of college hockey and what families really need to know. Since joining College Hockey Inc. in 2019, Hogan has led national efforts to educate players, parents, coaches, and advisors on the NCAA hockey pathway. With extensive coaching experience at the collegiate level including head coaching stops at Ohio, Arizona, and Oakland along with time on USA Hockey’s Men’s National University Team staff, Hogan brings a rare, 360-degree perspective to athlete development. Together, they dive into:• The current college hockey landscape and how it’s changing• College Hockey Inc.’s role in growing the game nationwide• What’s on the horizon for NCAA hockey and player development• Common questions families ask about the college hockey pathway• The value of multi-sport athletes and long-term athletic development Sean’s insight offers clarity in a space that can often feel overwhelming, reinforcing the importance of education, patience, and fit when navigating the college hockey journey. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this episode provides practical guidance and perspective on building the right path forward. Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and performance experts. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone navigating the college hockey process. Learn more:• The Athlete Lab (https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/)• College Hockey Inc. (https://www.collegehockeyinc.com/) Follow us:• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit• Guest Instagram: @CollegeHockeyInc• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast #AthleteDevelopment #CollegeHockey #SeanHogan #CollegeHockeyInc #NCAA #HockeyDevelopment #AthleteLab #MultiSportAthlete #PlayerPathway

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, elite ice dancers training out of Novi Ice Arena and the Athlete Lab as they pursue their Olympic dreams. They are competing at the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, Missouri, January 4-11, 2026.

From becoming partners to navigating the daily demands ofhigh-performance sport, Emilea and Vadym share an inside look at what it takes to develop chemistry, trust, and resilience at the highest level of ice dance. Their journey highlights the importance of both physical preparation and mental well-being in long-term athlete development.

Together, they dive into:
• How they became partners and built trust on and off the ice
• The role of nutrition, sleep, and education in sustaining elite performance
• Why working with a sports psychologist has been a critical part of their growth
• Lessons learned through competition, setbacks, and international experience
• What the Road to the Olympics really looks like behind the scenes

Emilea and Vadym’s story is a powerful reminder that eliteperformance is built through intentional habits, honest communication, and a strong support system. Whether you’re an athlete chasing the next level, a coach guiding development, or a parent supporting the journey, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to pursue excellence together.

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and performance experts.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who’s chasing a big dream.

Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab: https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/

• Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships: https://usfigureskating.org/sports/2025/11/3/2026-prevagen-us-figure-skating-championships.aspx

Follow us:
• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit

• Guest Instagram: @emileazingas @vadym___kolesnik
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast

#AthleteDevelopment #IceDance #RoadToTheOlympics#EmileaZingas #VadymKolesnik #AthleteLab #PerformanceMindset #OlympicDreams#FigureSkating

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Taylor Prokes, endurance athlete, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Big Ass Calendar, a tool and mindset that challenges people to live intentionally, pursue audacious goals, and design a life that reflects their values.

From running 100-mile races to building a movement rooted in discipline, community, and adventure, Taylor shares how physical challenges and personal planning intersect to create purpose and growth.

Together, they dive into:

• What it takes - mentally and physically - to run 100 miles

• The story and philosophy behind The Big Ass Calendar

• The concept of a Misogi, a year-defining event

• Why it’s vital to plan things for yourself before others request your time

• Building habits, tracking progress, and staying focused on what matters

• Lessons from leading a team that lives what they sell from NYC marathons to three days of tree chopping on a homestead

• Who can benefit most from the Big Ass Calendar and how to start small

• Reflections on entrepreneurship, resilience, and advice for parents raising driven kids

Taylor’s story is a masterclass in mindset, proving that fulfillment comes from effort, intentionality, and the willingness to keep going when it gets hard.

** Save 15% off The Big Ass Calendar by going to https://thebigasscalendar.com/athletelabpodcast **

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and performance experts.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who’s ready to take on their own Misogi.

Learn more:

• The Athlete Lab (https://athletelabdetroit.com/)

• The Big Ass Calendar (https://thebigasscalendar.com/)

Follow us:

• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit

• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast

Follow Our Guest:

• Instagram: @taylorprokes & @thebigasscalendar

#AthleteDevelopment #Ultras #BigAssCalendar #Misogi #EnduranceAthlete #AthleteLab #PerformanceMindset #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Maria “MJ” Pallotta, Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and Director of the Center for Experiential Leadership Development at the U.S. Naval Academy and instructor for The Program.

A 1994 Naval Academy graduate, MJ rowed crew before beginning a 30-year career in the Marine Corps that spanned active duty, two tours in Iraq, and leadership roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, Marine Corps University, and the Warfighting Lab. She now teaches leadership and ethics to the next generation of midshipmen, drawing on decades of real-world experience.

Together, they dive into:

• Lessons from rowing crew at the Naval Academy and the foundations of teamwork and resilience

• Growth through leadership and the power of service under pressure

• The pursuit of higher education from an M.A. to a Ph.D. and how learning shapes leadership

• Transitioning from military to civilian leadership and bridging both worlds

• Her advice for athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to lead with integrity and courage

• Quick-hit insights on preparation, mindset, and purpose

MJ’s story is one of service, self-mastery, and lifelong growth, a reminder that the principles of leadership and performance transcend any field, whether it’s sports, academics, or the military.

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and performance experts. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who’s ready to lead and learn at a higher level.

Learn more:

• The Athlete Lab

Follow us:

• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit

• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast

#AthleteDevelopment #Leadership #MariaPallotta #NavalAcademy #USMC #PerformanceMindset #AthleteLab #Teamwork #Resilience