The Athletes Podcast

Cruz Oguz, dubbed the most athletic kicker in the country prior to entering the NCAA, shares his multifaceted approach to athleticism through football, track, and tricking while creating his social media content.

• Creates and edits all content himself, recently upgrading equipment to enhance quality
• Follows a modified diet with around 200g of carbohydrates while cutting for summer
• Boasts impressive lifting numbers: 640lb deadlift, potential 500lb squat, 335lb bench press 
• Tried the carnivore diet after hearing Joe Rogan discuss it, experiencing improved energy and skin clarity
• Uses the carnivore approach as a periodic "reset" similar to how fasting cleanses the system
• Takes 5g creatine daily (after loading phase), fish oil for joint health, and occasional protein powder
• Consistently disagreed with trainers who pushed high carbohydrate intake
• Training evolved from sport-specific to more aesthetic-focused for social media appeal
• Identity deeply connected to athletic pursuits: "I don't think I'd be myself if I wasn't doing that stuff"
• Final advice: "Always do it your way" - make decisions that align with your authentic self

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April Hutchinson, a three-time Team Canada record-holding powerlifter, shares her journey from childhood athlete to women's sports advocate after being suspended for speaking biological truths about male competitors in female categories.

• Sports served as therapy through difficult times including childhood abuse and later struggles with alcoholism
• Found sobriety six years ago and channeled energy into powerlifting, making Team Canada
• Received a two-year suspension for referring to a biological male competitor as male on Pierce Morgan's show
• Worked with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to implement legislation creating male-only, female-only, and co-ed sports categories
• Advocacy work has helped change policies at national and international competition levels for powerlifting
• Transitioned to pickleball after suspension, embracing the sport's accessibility and community
• Discusses the physical advantages males retain even with hormone therapy in women's sports
• Shares nutrition insights including benefits of eliminating processed foods and alcohol
• Experienced with carnivore and modified paleo approaches to eating for performance
• Emphasizes the importance of taking action despite fear when making life changes

If you want to speak up about something important, don't be afraid. Your integrity means more than any medal or achievement.

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Siddhartha Bhat, a 14-time Team Canada Taekwondo national champion, shares his journey from being a troublemaking child to becoming one of Canada's most decorated martial artists. He explores the discipline martial arts instilled in him and why he believes every child should learn some form of self-defense.

• Growing up in Toronto as a child of Indian and Sri Lankan parents shaped Siddhartha's cultural identity
• Siddhartha was placed in Taekwondo at age three because he was "disrespectful" and "obnoxious"—traditional discipline wasn't working
• Why striking martial arts (Taekwondo, Karate) are better-starting points for children than grappling arts
• How martial arts gave Bhatman confidence as a "skinny brown kid in the 90s" who faced bullying
• The unique character development that comes from individual sports versus team sports
• Coming to terms with not achieving his Olympic dreams while finding purpose in coaching
• Why today's generation is intelligent and creative but lacks resilience and toughness
• Siddhartha's Khombatmaf program combines personal training with martial arts for complete development

Follow Siddhartha Bhat on Instagram @kombhatmaf to learn more about his training programs and classes at All-Star Martial Arts in Toronto's Leslieville neighborhood!

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Marie-Eloise Leclair shares her journey from a Montreal athlete to becoming a Canadian Olympian competing in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics. National Record Holder 13x All-American D2, her story weaves through early sports experiences, collegiate decisions, Olympic village insights, and her ongoing development as an elite sprinter.

• Originally recruited to SFU as a 400m hurdler before her coach redirected her to pure sprinting
• Competing in the NCAA while remaining in Canada through SFU's unique position as the only Canadian school in the NCAA
• Playing multiple sports growing up including flag football, which she describes as her favorite sport
• The Paris Olympics exceeded all expectations with family support in the stands and incredible village experiences
• Taking creatine as a performance supplement and noticing significant physical benefits
• Managing multiple training modalities including swimming for recovery and cross-training
• Preparing for upcoming World Relays competition in China while navigating jet lag challenges
• Behind-the-scenes Olympic experiences including podium kit stories and closing ceremony challenges

Don't count yourself out, work hard, and always have fun. That's what kept me in the sport for so long and what allowed me to have all these amazing memories.

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Eleni Demestihas, Director of Hockey Operations for Cookstark Management, shares her journey from law school to becoming an agent for women's hockey players and offers insights on the explosive growth of the PWHL.

• Began as a law school graduate who wanted sports industry education without necessarily practicing law
• Started representing hockey players when many had no agents, particularly focusing on players who weren't national team stars
• Navigated the challenging transition when the PHF merged into the PWHL, which voided all previously negotiated contracts
• Witnessed Vancouver draw nearly 20,000 fans during the PWHL Takeover Tour, making a compelling case for expansion
• Believes Seattle, Vancouver, and possibly Philadelphia are strong candidates for PWHL expansion teams
• Explains how female athletes' social media pages convert at significantly higher rates than male athletes'
• Advocates for housing stipends scaled to cost of living, trade consent clauses, and players receiving jersey sale percentages
• Predicts PWHL expansion teams will be valued at $20+ million, with potential for player equity ownership models
• Emphasizes the importance of younger players seeking representation earlier as the women's game professionalizes

Create your own luck by working hard, being a good person, doing favors for people, being there when people need you, and thinking about your next step as a long-term thing.

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Paris O'Brien shares his remarkable journey from quitting hockey at age 15 to becoming the Chinese national hockey goaltender and Olympian. His story demonstrates how stepping away from sport temporarily can sometimes be the catalyst for future success when combined with passion, hard work, and being ready when opportunity arises.

• Growing up playing minor hockey in Coquitlam before deciding to take a year off at age 15-16
• Returning to hockey with Delta Hockey Academy before being spotted by Mike Keenan at a tryout 
• Playing professionally in Finland at 17, then in Russia's VHL and KHL before the Olympics
• The critical importance of mental training for goaltenders—"90% mental, 10% physical"
• Working with mindset coach Pete Fry and now mentoring younger goalies himself
• Using technology like Visual Edge and Sensorina to train cognitive aspects of goaltending
• Comprehensive recovery protocols including cold tubs, heat therapy, and compression boots
• Playing at the Olympics against Team Canada after briefly practicing with them
• Custom gear setup including a helmet painted by his girlfriend artist
• Balancing hockey with other interests to maintain mental health and perspective

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the Athletes Podcast on social media and let us know who you'd like to see featured next in the YouTube comments.

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Doug Lynch, former professional hockey player turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from the ice to founding innovative performance apparel company Filium and how the relationships built through sports became the foundation for his business success.

• Began playing hockey at age three in Coquitlam, BC, eventually being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round
• Won a Memorial Cup with the Red Deer Rebels at age 17, learning the importance of team success for individual growth
• Played professionally in the NHL (Edmonton) and in European leagues, including Austria and Sweden
• Founded Zenkai Sports (now Philium Incorporated) after retiring in Portland and connecting with Nike professionals
• Developed revolutionary technology that transforms natural cotton into high-performance fabric for athletic wear
• Secured investments from professional athletes, including Rickie Fowler, Marty Turco, and the Morris twins
• Established licensing partnerships with major brands like 1764 Golf and O'Neill's rugby apparel
• Emphasizes that relationships are the most valuable asset in business—"you never spend relationship capital, you only reinvest it"
• Currently mentors UBC hockey players and works with athlete transition organizations to help sports professionals prepare for life after competition

Use code AP20 to save 20% on Zenkai apparel and AP15 to save 

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Linus Karlsson joins us from our new Pioneer Auto Group Jeep studio to discuss his hockey journey from Sweden to North America and the challenges of adapting to a different style of play. Linus shares insights about his NHL experience while revealing the mental aspects of professional hockey that fans rarely see.

• Linus discusses his new Jeep from Pioneer Auto Group and how it fits his hockey lifestyle
• Comparison of Swedish versus North American hockey styles - bigger European rinks mean more possession, while smaller North American ice demands physicality
• Growing up in a small Swedish town of just 1,500 people that produced three NHL players
• How Erik Karlsson and Johan Franzen from his hometown became his hockey inspirations
• Reflections on international tournaments and the excitement of seeing national teams compete
• Managing the mental challenges of playing professional hockey in a new country
• Working with a mental coach to handle the ups and downs of NHL/AHL transitions
• The importance of having fun and not rushing development as a young hockey player
• Playing multiple sports growing up, particularly soccer until age 14

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Discover the inspiring journey of Jillian Weir, an Olympic hammer throw athlete who excels in her sport and provides insights into competing against strong rivalries and personal adversities. Jillian highlights her non-traditional path from various sports to hammer throwing as well as the differences between Commonwealth Games and the Olympics, shedding light on each competition's unique challenges and opportunities.

- Jillian discusses her early athletic influences and competition experiences 
- Insights into the Ducks vs Beavers rivalry and its effects on the athletic community 
- The transition from high school sports to collegiate athletics 
- Challenges and highlights of competing in Commonwealth Games vs Olympics 
- The need for the hammer throw's inclusion in the Diamond League 
- Tips for young athletes on recovery, nutrition, and maintaining peak performance 
- The importance of well-rounded sports exposure in shaping Athletic careers 
- Motivational insights on perseverance and self-care in Sports 

Jillian also shares her favourite post-workout meals and personal philosophies on staying grounded throughout her journey. 

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Richie Bullbrook shares his journey from a young skateboarder inspired by cartoons to a competitive athlete vying for Olympic recognition. He discusses his family's role in his development, the emotional impact of his father's passing, the reality of imposter syndrome, and his commitment to fostering community among young skaters. 

• Starting skateboarding at four, inspired by a favourite cartoon 
• The importance of parental support in pursuing sports 
• The role of Revert Skate Park in his upbringing 
• Coping with grief following his father's passing 
• Experiences at Team Canada training camps 
• Navigating the pressures of competition and imposter syndrome 
• Managing injuries, including torn PCLs, through training 
• Hosting the Medway Bowl Bash to mentor young skaters 
• Goals of achieving the 900 and Olympic participation

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