The Athletes Podcast

Ready to peek behind the curtain of sports psychology and unlock the secrets to athlete well-being and peak performance? Expect nothing less from this intriguing conversation with our fascinating guest, Professor Adam Nicholls, a sports psychology expert from the University of Hull. We journey through his research, aiming to enhance athlete well-being and reduce doping prevalence. Professor Nicholls shares his experiences as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, offering valuable insights into fostering a healthy coach-athlete relationship and using feedback to boost confidence and competence.

We further navigate the realm of sports psychology, focusing on mental toughness - the secret sauce for athletes to perform at their best when it matters. Let's demystify the value of mental imagery and understand different types of stress and strategies to cope with them. The mantra is simple - be prepared and have a plan to stay focused and perform at your optimum. But that's not all; we also explore the complex world of dyslexia, offering actionable advice on identifying strengths and overcoming challenges. 

As we roll out the final segment of our chat, we tackle the often tricky transition from a sports career. How do you find new motivation and purpose? We've got you covered! We discuss the importance of finding a mentor, honing leadership skills, and understanding the recruitment process. We wrap up with a frank conversation on the risks involved with young athletes taking medications unsupervised and the role of pre-performance routines in maintaining focus. Finally, we broach the sensitive topic of eating disorders among athletes, emphasizing the crucial aspect of awareness and the necessity of seeking help. Buckle up for this insightful journey through the fascinating world of sports psychology.

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What does it take to transition from Canadian hockey to American football? This week, we're joined by Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, who shares the incredible story of his journey from growing up in Montreal to making it in the big leagues. Listen in as we discuss his drafting experience, overcoming a torn labrum, and the importance of his father's influence on his athletic success.

Dive into Benjamin's vivid college football memories as he recounts the challenges faced and the mindset needed to pave his way to the NFL. Discover how he emphasizes the process to achieve his goals and his confidence in becoming an All-Pro in just his third year. The conversation also touches on the Canadian educational system and how it shaped Benjamin into the exceptional athlete he is today.

Furthermore, Benjamin and I discuss his commitment to giving back to the Canadian football community through his annual camp. Hear how this camp unites athletes from the NFL, NCAA, and beyond, offering young Canadians an opportunity to learn from their role models and inspiring them to reach for their dreams. You won't want to miss this uplifting conversation with Benjamin St-Juste, as we uncover the inspiring journey that took him from Montreal to the NFL and beyond.

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What happens when a top CrossFit athlete faces unexpected disqualification? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Canada's own Alex Caron as he shares his journey from hockey to the world of CrossFit, and the controversy that surrounded his removal from competition in the CrossFit semifinals. We also celebrate the triumphs of the Vegas Golden Knights, Denver Nuggets, and Nick Taylor in their recent sports victories.

Listen in as Alex opens up about his frustration with CrossFit's inability to acknowledge mistakes and prevent them from happening again, as well as the organization's perception of his injury leading to disqualification. Discover how Alex balances being both an athlete and an entrepreneur, the importance of nutrition and training, and his favorite post-workout meal. This inspiring and insightful episode will give you a whole new perspective on one of Canada's top CrossFit athletes and the challenges they face.

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What does it take to become a 15-time US National champion and 6-time Pan American gold medalist in racquetball? The incredible Rhonda Rajsich, one of the most decorated racquetball players in US history, joins us to share her inspiring journey to the top. Discover how Rhonda's clarity, purpose, and focus propelled her to greatness, and how she managed to overcome a life-altering incident in 2008 that almost ended her career.

In this episode, we delve into Rhonda's harrowing experience of surviving a violent altercation that left her with multiple facial fractures. You'll be amazed at how she managed to return to the court stronger than ever, even qualifying for the World Championships just under two months after the incident. We also discuss the importance of mindset, staying motivated, and enjoying the journey of athletic development, as well as the issue of pay disparities between men and women in professional sports.

Lastly, Rhonda emphasizes the importance of achieving wellness in athletics through a balanced training regimen, nutrition, and rest and recovery. Don't miss this incredible conversation with Rhonda Rajsich, as she shares her passion for sports, her insights on the challenges faced by female athletes, and her thoughts on the growing popularity of activities like pickleball.

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What does it truly take to defy the odds and achieve greatness? Join us as we sit down with multi-sport Paralympian Chris Daw, whose incredible journey is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. With over 1,000 medals for Canada, 125 national championships, 64 world championships, and participation in four Paralympic Games and one Olympic Games, Chris serves as an inspiration for us all.


Chris shares his extraordinary journey from Strathroy, Ontario to Victoria, BC, where he began his athletic career in wheelchair racing, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair curling over four Paralympic Games appearances. He was also on Canada’s sitting volleyball team at the 2007 Parapan American Games in Rio and dabbled in just about every conceivable Para sport available at the time.


We discuss Chris's gold medal debut in Stoke Mandeville, England and his participation in various sports, from volleyball and hockey to rock climbing and jujitsu. His motto, "Fear Not the Game," is a powerful reminder to follow our passions and chase our dreams, no matter the obstacles.


In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into Chris's early years and the unwavering support of his parents that helped set him up for success. We also explore the extreme challenges of being a multi-sport Paralympian and Chris's surprising favourite sport: wheelchair rugby. So, don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn from one of Canada's greatest athletes, and perhaps find motivation to overcome adversity and reach new heights in your own life.

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What happens when a fearless professional hockey player, nicknamed "King Richard," transitions from over a decade in the NHL and WHA to another industry? You get an inspiring story of perseverance, adaptability, and resilience. Join us as we chat with the incredible Richard Broder about his journey from the Nordiques team to playing for Team Canada and winning the Stanley Cup, as well as how his unyielding dedication on the ice has helped him excel in other areas of life.

Goalies have a unique connection to the game of hockey, and our conversation with Richard delves into this fascinating aspect. We reminisce about hockey memories, superstitions, and the ever-changing landscape of the sport. Richard also shares insightful anecdotes about his relationships with his teammates, the importance of team chemistry, and the legacy of his electrifying career. Plus, we discuss the impact of mental health on athletes and the crucial need for resources to support those struggling.

Not only does Richard Broder have an amazing story to share about his time in professional hockey, but he also opens up about his experiences in other sports, like being invited to training camp with the Cincinnati Reds. If you're curious about the incredible shots taken by the best NHL players, their unique techniques, and the difference between player skill levels today and in the past, this episode will captivate you. So grab your headphones, and let's explore the extraordinary life of Richard Broder together.

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Welcome to the #176th episode of The Athletes Podcast featuring Sachin Latti. Sachin has recently dedicated his life to endurance training in hopes to accomplish the goal of beating the world record run across Canada. As he trains and runs several ultra marathons per year, he advocates and raises awareness for first responders & veterans experiencing mental illness & PTSD

Sachin Motion is on a mission to create a community of those who have experienced mental health issues, like PTSD, directly or indirectly, and help them become better versions of themselves. As Sachin runs to raise awareness, he ultimately wants to affect permanent, positive change amongst our communities who may be suffering in silence. Visit his website below to find out more!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - 05:50 The Story of Sachin Latti

05:50 - 09:10 The Process of Training

09:10 - 12:20 High Achiever & History of Service

12:20 - 18:40 Goal Setting

18:40 - 24:30 Consistency of Effort & Quiet Running

24:30 - 29:10 Negative Self Talk

29:10 - 33:20 Taking on Challenges

33:20 - 36:10 Getting a Country Around a Common Goal

36:10 - 38:40 Fitness Trackers & Ultra Competitions

38:40 - 47:50 Mentors & Extreme Ownership

47:50 - 49:26 Team of Supporters 

49:26 - 50:45 Advice for the Next Gen 

50:45 - 54:52 22 Marathons in 22 Days

Website: https://www.sachinmotion.ca/

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Welcome to the #175th episode of The Athletes Podcast featuring Brad Thorpe, a lifelong entrepreneur and the inventor of Isophit. With over 30 years of experience in the sport performance, fitness, and health space, he is considered by many to be a world-leading authority on isometric strength training.

Through his passion for innovation and desire to challenge the status quo, he has created a product that has become the go-to isometric strength training solution for the world’s elite performance athletes and sports organizations, Hollywood A-List Celebrities, Luxury Spas and Country Clubs, and tactical organizations like the FBI and US Army.

In 2006, he became the 21st specialist with the combined RTSm and MATCS designations. This newly acquired perspective on muscle function and exercise allowed him to clearly identify what was wrong in the world of sports performance, health, and fitness training.

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - 07:45 Intro & Getting Noticed by the right people
07:45 - 15:00 Family Health Issues & Implementing Isophit
15:00 - 18:35 The Workout Behind the Uniform
18:35 - 21:50 Young Athletes Overtraining
21:50 - 31:20 Pro Isometrics
31:20 - 36:05 Life After Sport
36:05 - 39:00 Isometric Training
39:00 - 44:40 Why More People Need to Do Isometrics
44:40 - 51:00 Working with Pro Sports Teams
51:00 - 01:01:00 Creating Isophit
01:01:00 - 01:02:22 Isometrics from Day One
01:02:22 - 01:12:00 Working with the FBI & US Army
01:12:00 - 01:22:40 Success Stories
01:22:40 - 01:26:01 Advice for the Next Gen & Outro

Listen to The Athletes Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UGWkLsS0y7HfFWX1J4aTe

Watch The Athletes Podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheAthletesPodcast

Subscribe to The Athletes Podcast!

Follow Our Host, Producer & Developer!

David Stark (@davestark1)

Phoenix Wayland (@phoenixgw11)

Jordan Maslen (@jordanmaslen4)

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Support the show

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Welcome to the #174th episode of The Athletes Podcast, where we bring you the stories, insights, and experiences of athletes from all walks of life! Today, we're thrilled to feature Hannah Huppi, Team USA Rower, Ocean Adventurer & Gym Owner.

An athlete, entrepreneur, and mom of a toddler based in New Orleans. With a passion for scaling start-ups she's successfully taken two companies from start-up to acquisition within the real estate technology space. Recently, she shifted her focus to the fitness industry and launched ErgoFit, an indoor rowing studio (goergofit.com).

In addition to her career, she is also an elite coastal rower. Some of her athletic achievements include representing Team USA, winning a bronze medal at the Beach Sprint World Championships, placing top-20 at two Coastal World Championships, and being recognized as USRowing's 2021 Female Coastal Athlete of the Year.

Hannah is excited to announce that in 2024, she will embark on her biggest challenge yet: a row across the Pacific Ocean. Hannah and her team Horizon Racing will be pushing the limits of human endurance and going for a world record. They are currently seeking corporate sponsors. For more information on this opportunity, please visit: www.horizonracingusa.com/sponsorship.

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - 04:00 Who is Hannah Huppi
04:00 - 05:20 Finding Coastal Rowing
05:20 - 06:30 Playing Multiple Sports Growing Up
06:30 - 08:30 Entrepreneur Athletes
08:30 - 10:40 School in Berlin & Living in New Orleans
10:40 - 14:50 Crazy Events & Natural Talent
14:50 - 19:00 What Made the Success
19:00 - 22:00 Balancing Your Sport & Parenthood
22:00 - 29:20 Training & Nutrition
29:20 - 32:45 Sharing the Wins & Loses with Your Partner
32:45 - 37:50 Upcoming Races
37:50 - 40:25 How Hannah Was Raised
40:25 - 48:40 California to Hawaii Ocean Rowing
48:40 - 51:58 Advice for the Next Gen & Outro

Listen to The Athletes Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UGWkLsS0y7HfFWX1J4aTe

Watch The Athletes Podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheAthletesPodcast

Subscribe to The Athletes Podcast!

Follow Our Host, Producer & Developer!

David Stark (@davestark1)

Phoenix Wayland (@phoenixgw11)

Jordan Maslen (@jordanmaslen4)

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Support the show

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Welcome to the 173rd episode of  The Athletes Podcast, where we bring you the stories, insights, and experiences of athletes from all walks of life! Today we feature Chris Koch, a farm boy turned world traveller, who has set out on his latest adventure bringing his "If I Can" message globally. What started as a small speaking tour mostly at schools in Southern Alberta, has turned into a busy schedule consisting of large conferences, schools, charity events, and more. Being born with no arms or legs has not stopped Chris from completing 13 marathons to date. Be sure to buckle up be get ready to be inspired from this incredible episode featuring another amazing human being, brought to you by Root'd!

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 -  05:00 Intro & Background on Chris Koch

05:00 - 10:00 Physical Vs Mental 

10:00 - 15:30 Prosthetics & Adapting to the Environment around you

15:30 - 22:00 Traveling the World

22:00 - 28:50 Parenting Style & Inspirations Growing Up

28:50 - 30:00 Career in Sports & Public Speaking

30:00 - 34:30 Running Marathons

34:30 - 39:00 Support System & Finding Humor

39:00 - 43:55 Advice for the Next Gen & Outro

Listen to The Athletes Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UGWkLsS0y7HfFWX1J4aTe

Watch The Athletes Podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheAthletesPodcast

Subscribe to The Athletes Podcast!

Follow Our Host, Producer & Developer!

David Stark (@davestark1)

Phoenix Wayland (@phoenixgw11)

Jordan Maslen (@jordanmaslen4)

Get Your Root’d here: https://rootd.com/ Use the Code "AP20" for 20% Off!

More content about Chris:

http://www.ifican.ca/

https://globalnews.ca/news/8201897/chris-koch-efoil-bc/

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