“That’s also something that’s big in my coaching—learning to reward the effort and not necessarily the outcomes” —Susahnn Valente-Olsen 

Susahnn Valente-Olsen (IG: @thejumproper) is a multi-decade jump roper with  a wide breadth of knowledge. Not only is she well-versed in the world of competitive jump rope, but she also has a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management. She has spent quite a few years in the nonprofit world, doing fundraising, administration, program development and organizational culture. A large portion of this nonprofit work was spent with Playworks, a national nonprofit the believes in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. Her program provided safe and healthy play to students ranging from 5-15 years old. So when it comes to nonprofit work and coaching, Susahnn has a lot of experience to draw from. 

If you’re new to competitive jump rope, this episode will give you a great perspective of the sport’s culture through a coach’s eyes. We talk about goal setting, women in the sport, increasing youth exercise through jump rope, adult jump rope learning, and a whole lot more. Susahnn brings many great coaching tips and techniques to the table, so you will be walking away with lots of tactical information to implement with your team or yourself. 

Please enjoy!

If you liked the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

Facebook: facebook.com/natekg

Past guests on the podcast include: Unconventional Ropestress Sonny Smith, Luke Boon, Mike Fry, LJ LaVecchia,

New to jump rope and want to get started correctly with everything you need? Sign up for my FREE beginner program:
natekg.com/kickstart

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

Facebook: facebook.com/natekg

"Of course, once I fell in love with it, it became like a game. What new trick can I learn next?" —Declan McCarthy 

In this episode, I talk with Declan McCarthy, @decmcc10 on instagram. Declan is a truly amazing guy, and this was actually the first time we’ve spoken  live. We get into a lot of different topics, including the evolution of Dec’s training style, the major we both started with at university, and his journey with OCD. 

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a multi-faceted condition, and Dec does a phenomenal job unpacking the different elements and explaining what it’s like to live with OCD. It really envelops the mind, and I’m extremely grateful for his willingness to discuss the difficulties he’s faced. I have so much respect for this guy! At one point, we discuss, given the opportunity, whether or not he would change everything he’s gone through. His answer surprised me, and I think it might surprise you as well. 

Please enjoy!

If you liked the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

Facebook: facebook.com/natekg

Past guests on the podcast include: Unconventional Ropestress Sonny Smith, Luke Boon, Mike Fry, LJ LaVecchia, Coach Chris Walker, The Jump Rope Dudes, Brian Hsu,

New to jump rope and want to get started correctly with everything you need? Sign up for my FREE beginner program:
natekg.com/kickstart

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

Facebook: facebook.com/natekg

“[Jump Rope] is something that anybody can learn, but you can spend a lifetime trying to master.” — Chris Holmes 

Chris Holmes, (IG: @jumpropevideos, www.jumpropevideos.com) is a former jump rope world champion, and has been involved with the sport for over 30 years. He’s performed and taught in 11 countries, and has won several championships at both national and worldwide competitions. Chris is currently a board member of the American Jump Rope Federation. 

Needless to say, Chris knows jump rope really well! During our conversation, we dive into so many great topics, including competition structure, notable jump ropers, the origin stories of many different jump skills, the current state of competitive jump rope, and so much more. Many of the skills we discuss are better visualized than heard, and you can find the hyperlinks in the show notes.

Please enjoy!

If you liked the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

Facebook: facebook.com/natekg

Past guests on the podcast include: Unconventional Ropestress Sonny Smith, Luke Boon, Mike Fry, LJ LaVecchia, Coach Chris Walker, The Jump Rope Dudes, Brian Hsu,

New to jump rope and want to get started correctly with everything you need? Sign up for my FREE beginner program:
natekg.com/kickstart

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

Facebook: facebook.com/natekg

"Each time I learned a new skill, there were more impossible things I could do with a rope that I never considered before." — Chris Walker

Chris Walker is both a jump roper and personal trainer, focusing on utilizing the jump rope for the majority of his training with clients. I’ve followed Chris for a while now and he has such a passion for what he does - both as an athlete and coach. During my conversation with Chris, we cover a lot of ground, diving into his preferred workout method, an old hobby that we actually both share, and Chris’ biggest life challenge—Autism. 

Chris was very kind in sharing his experience with autism openly, and brought up several really important perspective shifts. For those who are not familiar with the Autism spectrum, I encourage you to listen because Chris brings up many characteristics that, from the outside looking in, can seem subtle. Chris does a phenomenal job discussing his journey in an impactful, yet light manner. He will lift you up! 

Please enjoy!

If you liked the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

Facebook: facebook.com/natekg

Past guests on the podcast include: Unconventional Ropestress Sonny Smith, Luke Boon, Mike Fry, LJ LaVecchia, Coach Chris Walker, The Jump Rope Dudes,

New to jump rope and want to get started correctly with everything you need? Sign up for my FREE beginner program:
natekg.com/kickstart

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

Facebook: facebook.com/natekg

“If there’s ever a high to chase, it’s the high that I get every time I am finished working out.” — Sonny Smith

Sonny Smith (IG: @the_unconventional_ropestress) describes herself as a ‘Jump Rope Enthusiast,’ but she is far more than that. Not only does she have a variety of unique training tools and methods (the steel mace is my favorite), but she also discusses Mental Health and her own journey. She focuses on the positive impacts jump rope has on the mind, both from a biological and psychological perspective. She is undoubtedly one of the top leaders and pioneers in the jump rope space.  

Sonny was also kind enough to share stories from her own life in our conversation, and I was truly impressed how gracefully she speaks about such serious topics. While anxiety and depression (among other mental health subjects) are often talked about in a very heavy and grave manner, Sonny approaches them with such optimistic passion and matter-of-factness.

If you’re not familiar with mental health topics, I would strongly encourage you to not shy away from listening because you will absolutely gain a new perspective from Sonny (without being emotionally stuffed to the brim). And for those who have faced, or are currently facing, any form of mental health challenge, Sonny will offer relatable experiences and a few of the small adjustments that made a huge impact for her. 

Also we have some solid laughs! Especially about Sonny’s older sisters making her permanent turner for Double Dutch  when she was young. Which, if you’ve ever done double dutch, you know being a permanent turner is a huge bummer!

Please enjoy!

If you liked the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

New to jump rope and want to get started correctly with everything you need? Sign up for my FREE beginner program:
natekg.com/kickstart

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to spread the sport of jump rope! I also love reading the reviews!

For show notes and past guests, please visit natekg.com/jump-rope-blog.

Check out everything new I'm doing (tutorials, email newsletter, combos, etc.) at natekg.com/new.

Discover Nate's jump rope coaching programs: natekg.com/coaching.

Follow Nate:

Instagram: instagram.com/nate_kg

YouTube: youtube.com/CoachNateKG

Facebook: facebook.com/natekg