The Next Playbook

By Derika Legg

The Next Playbook podcast delves into the post-athletic careers of top-tier athletes, hosted by Derika. Each episode features candid conversations with former Olympians, professional athletes, and col... more

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FAQs about The Next Playbook:

How many episodes does The Next Playbook have?

The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.

The Next Playbook episodes:

June 23, 2026 Own Your Running: Roberto Mandje's Evolution as an Athlete
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Summary
In this conversation, Roberto shares his journey from a young boy in Barcelona to becoming an accomplished runner and Olympian. He discusses the importance of a well-rounded sports background, the mindset shifts that occurred during his growth as an athlete, and the significance of representing Equatorial Guinea on the world stage. Roberto reflects on the challenges of transitioning through different stages of his athletic career and the importance of maintaining a multifaceted identity beyond just being a runner. He discusses the endurance mindset, the work of Athlete's Soul in helping retired athletes, and his personal challenge of running seven marathons in seven days.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:11 The Journey to Running
05:54 Mindset and Growth in Sports
08:47 Transitioning to the Olympics
11:52 Representing Equatorial Guinea
14:47 Identity and Evolution as an Athlete
18:04 Life After the Olympics
19:43 The Reality of Professional Athletics
22:41 Lessons in Storytelling and Marketing
24:57 Endurance Mindset: Life as a Marathon
29:01 Bridging the Gap: Athlete's Soul
31:18 Seven Marathons in Seven Days: A Personal Challenge
34:46 Coaching: Sharing the Joy of Running
39:50 The Role of a Pacer: Supporting Others
40:06 Evolving Relationship with Running
41:54 Advice for Transitioning Athletes

Relevant Links & Contact
@robertomandje, website: mandjecoaching.com

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49min
June 09, 2026 Bet On Yourself: Kenneth Imo's Advice to Student Athletes
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Summary
In this conversation, Kenneth Imo shares his journey from being a Nigerian immigrant's son to becoming a college football player at SMU. He discusses the identity struggles of being a student athlete, the values instilled by his parents, and the importance of balancing academics with athletics. Kenneth reflects on his experiences in high school football, the recruitment process, and the pressures that come with being a student athlete. He emphasizes the significance of mentorship and personal growth, offering advice to future student athletes about prioritizing their education and understanding their identity beyond sports. Kenneth discusses the challenges of identity shifts after sports, the lessons he imparts to his daughters, and his mission to help current and former athletes navigate their transitions. He highlights the value of mentorship, resilience, and the need to bet on oneself in pursuing personal and professional goals.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:07 The Identity of a Student Athlete
03:07 Family Values and Immigrant Experience
06:09 The Role of Football in Identity Formation
09:04 High School Football and College Recruitment
12:06 Transitioning to College Football at SMU
14:58 The Pressure of Being a Student Athlete
18:01 Experiencing Game Day and Success
19:54 Shifting Focus to Academics
23:03 Mentorship and Academic Growth
25:56 Advice for Future Student Athletes
27:27 The End of the Game: Embracing Change
31:38 Lessons from the Field: Transferable Skills
37:00 Parenting and Life Lessons: Teaching Resilience
42:13 Identity Shift: From Athlete to Student
50:21 Building a Legacy: Coaching and Consulting for Athletes

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1h 1min
May 26, 2026 The Comeback: Rachel Miller on Why It's Always Available
Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20
Goal Five - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Rachel Miller shares her journey from a young athlete to a mother and entrepreneur, discussing the pressures of competition, the emotional challenges of stepping away from sport, and the inspiring story of her comeback. She emphasizes the importance of identity, support systems, and the impact of motherhood on her athletic career. Rachel also highlights her transition into personal training and her passion for empowering women, while reflecting on the lessons learned throughout her journey.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:01 The Journey of a Young Athlete
06:02 Navigating Pressure and Expectations
10:01 The Comeback Story Begins
19:49 Representing Your Country
25:06 Sharing the Comeback Journey
30:05 Transitioning Beyond Athletics
34:01 Building a Business and Identity
39:55 Goals and Future Aspirations

Relevant Links & Contact
IG:@millsthemain Linkedin 'rachelmillsmiller' to learn more about me

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47min
May 12, 2026 Finding Alignment: Ed Lubowicki on the Athlete Edge
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Summary
In this episode, Derika sits down with Ed Lubowicki, a former Notre Dame lacrosse player and current University of Pennsylvania researcher. Ed shares his journey from the "OG American sport" to a high-pressure career in cyber risk at Deloitte, describing the "slow burn" of realizing he was in a career that didn't align with his true strengths. Now an entrepreneur and graduate student, Ed discusses his research into "Athletic Identity Foreclosure" and his mission to help athletes realize they aren't struggling—they are simply overqualified for the "games" they've chosen to play in the corporate world.

Chapters
Introduction to Lacrosse
The Road to Notre Dame
The "Quick Switch" of Retirement
The NYC "Slow Burn"
Identifying the Gap
Researching "Athletic Identity Foreclosure"
The Athlete Edge Alignment System
The Roller Coaster of Entrepreneurship
Final Thoughts

Relevant Links & Contact
website assessment, LinkedIn

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39min
April 28, 2026 Liminal Space: Dawn Sanders on Riding the Wave of Transition
Sponsors
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Summary
In this episode, Derika speaks with Dawn Sanders, co-founder of Winwell, about the complex journey of athletes transitioning out of professional sports. Dawn shares her personal evolution from a track athlete and England rugby player to a pioneer in "performance lifestyle coaching" at the UK Sports Institute. The conversation delves into the identity crisis that follows retirement, the "silent army" of support staff helping athletes plan for life beyond the field, and how sports organizations can better support their human capital throughout their entire career cycle.

Chapters
0:00 Introduction how a LinkedIn algorithm brought Derika and Dawn together.
01:33 Dawn's early athletic career, including her 18th birthday party with Paula Radcliffe.
03:10 The daunting experience of playing for the national team and the resilience required in the semi-pro era.
05:55 Addressing the psychological impact of "hanging up the boots" and the physical changes that follow.
08:38 Replacing the rugby team environment with local field hockey and maintaining social connections.
10:55 Dawn’s 23-year career at the Institute and shifting from "advisor" to "practitioner".
16:21 Breaking down the five phases of transition support and helping athletes find their "why".
26:07 The responsibility of governing bodies and advice for loved ones during an athlete’s transition.
33:01 Dawn’s journey into entrepreneurship and her global goals for the "performance lifestyle movement".
38:13 Final thoughts on being kind to yourself during life's uncomfortable middle zones.

Relevant Links & Contact
Website: www.winwell.org.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmariasanders
Email: [email protected]
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TZJyXI39sX3D2S2pvhKAO?si=5ca1ec1154a94b92

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44min
April 14, 2026 Parallels: Where Sport and Business Intersect with Jenny Casson
Sponsors
Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20
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Summary
In this conversation, Jenny Casson shares her journey as a multi-sport athlete who transitioned into rowing and ultimately became a two-time Olympian. She discusses the importance of a diverse athletic background, the challenges of identity and injury, and the emotional rollercoaster of competing at the Olympic level. Jenny also reflects on the post-Olympic experience and the mental health challenges that can arise after such significant achievements. Jenny emphasizes the transferable skills from sports to business, the need for adaptability in a constantly changing environment, and the significance of personal growth and community support. She also touches on her current role in AI and the balance between her personal and professional goals, encouraging listeners to embrace their journeys and never underestimate their achievements.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 The Importance of Multi-Sport Backgrounds
05:46 Identity and Injury in Sports
08:59 Transition to Rowing and Discovering Talent
11:46 The Road to the Olympics
15:07 Experiencing Olympic Competition
18:07 Post-Olympic Reflections and Challenges
25:06 The Emotional Toll of Transitioning from Sports
26:37 Preparing for Life After Competition
28:51 Finding Purpose Beyond Athletics
30:41 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
33:06 Translating Athletic Skills to Business
36:17 Navigating the Uncertainty of Business Goals
38:13 Embracing New Challenges in AI
42:27 Balancing Personal and Professional Goals
44:41 Staying Active and Engaged
47:03 Final Thoughts on Connection and Growth
Relevant Links & Contact
@Jenny_joan_casson (IG)
@daylilie_bras (IG)
www.jennyjoancasson.com (website, personal)
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www.TheNextPlaybook.com

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44min
March 31, 2026 Do It Now: How Steve Moore is Helping Athletes Transition Beyond Sport
Sponsors
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Summary
In this conversation, Steve Moore shares his journey from being a soccer player to becoming a professional rugby player, discussing the transition from amateur to professional sports, the challenges of retirement, and how he found his way back to rugby through coaching and entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of community, the fun aspect of sports, and the need for open communication during transitions. He discusses the skills he learned from sports that helped him in business, the inspiration behind ACT, and the mission to support athletes in their career transitions. Steve emphasizes the importance of early preparation for life after sports and how athletes can articulate their unique skills to potential employers. He also outlines the future goals for ACT Community, aiming to create a supportive environment for athletes navigating their transitions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Steve's Rugby Journey: From Soccer to Elite Player
04:49 The Culture and Camaraderie of Rugby
05:21 Transition from Fun to Professional Sport
10:47 Lessons from Rugby for US Athletes Entering Pro League
11:17 Advice for Athletes Going Pro
13:11 Thinking About Life After Sport
14:54 The End of a Playing Career: Emotions and Reflections
16:54 The Reality of Retirement and Injury
18:35 Post-Retirement Challenges and Identity
25:02 Re-engaging with Rugby and Community
27:11 From Player to Entrepreneur: The Transition
33:44 Founding ACT and Supporting Athletes
36:20 Mission and Approach of ACT
38:30 Skills from Sport That Drive Business Success
43:40 Ideal Timing for Transition Planning
45:31 Starting Early in Career Planning
48:20 Future Goals for ACT
52:28 Building a Community for Retiring Athletes
54:19 Final Thoughts and Advice for Athletes

Relevant Links & Contact
- Website: www.act.community
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/act_community (https://x.com/act_community)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actforathletes (https://www.instagram.com/actforathletes)
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/act-community (https://www.linkedin.com/company/act-community)

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58min
March 17, 2026 Ask for Help: Madeline Davis Tully on Leaning on Your People
Sponsors
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Summary
In this conversation, Madeline Davis Tully shares her journey from a young girl watching her father row to becoming a competitive rower at Princeton University. She discusses the challenges and rewards of rowing, the transition to collegiate athletics, and the importance of preparation and mindset in competition. Madeline also reflects on her experiences in recruitment, the emotional aspects of leaving college sports, and her uncertain career path after rowing, ultimately leading her to a fulfilling role in education and coaching.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Madeline Davis Tully
01:30 The Journey into Rowing
06:00 The Rigors of Rowing Training
10:04 Transitioning to College Rowing
15:02 Navigating Recruitment and College Choices
19:56 Reflections on Competitive Experiences
23:04 Life After Rowing: Career Pathways
24:43 Discovering a Passion for Coaching
26:09 Navigating Transitions in Coaching
28:07 Reflections on Leadership and Team Dynamics
30:21 The Intersection of Coaching and Leadership Development
33:13 The Journey to Entrepreneurship
36:19 Building a Coaching Business
39:28 Goals and Aspirations for the Future
40:46 Finding Balance in Athletic Pursuits
42:43 Embracing New Challenges and Skills
46:29 The Importance of Seeking Help
48:42 Connecting with Madeline Davis Tully

Relevant Links & Contact
www.mdtlead.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinedavistully/

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52min
March 03, 2026 Full Circle: How Dallen Stanford Went from Player to Commentator
Sponsors
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Summary
In this engaging conversation, Dallen Stanford shares his journey from growing up in South Africa, where rugby is a way of life, to becoming a key player on the USA Sevens team. He discusses the unique culture of rugby, the challenges of transitioning from player to commentator, and the importance of community and mindset in sports. Dallen emphasizes the value of maintaining a positive attitude and a growth mindset, especially when facing the inevitable changes and challenges in an athlete's career. Dallen discusses how he became a commentator, the steps to set oneself up for success in any field, and the surprises he encountered while building his business. He also reflects on his experiences as an ambassador for various initiatives and shares memorable moments from his commentating career. The conversation concludes with Dallen's insights on personal development and the importance of pursuing one's passions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dallen Stanford
01:09 Dallen's Rugby Journey Begins
03:51 Transitioning to the USA Sevens Team
08:11 The Culture of Rugby
12:00 Integrating into New Cultures
13:58 The Pressure of Professional Sports
17:11 The Last Game and Its Impact
19:03 Finding New Highs After Playing
21:02 Principles for Achieving Goals
23:55 Embracing a Growth Mindset
26:47 The Journey to Becoming a Commentator
30:11 Setting Yourself Up for Success
34:01 Building a Business from Passion
36:40 Surprises in Entrepreneurship
38:25 The Role of an Ambassador
41:06 Top Commentating Moments
45:22 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Relevant Links & Contact
https://dallenstanford.com/
https://playrugbyusa.org/
https://www.algarve7s.com/
https://avantebrandy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopgPXphmpasbY8Rk6X-0G7PXEQMZYxA1KfK0p32cVMugrBa8L7o
https://www.tsunami-sport.com/

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51min
February 17, 2026 Wolves and Tea: How Kenny Borg Thinks About Identity
Sponsors
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Summary
In this conversation, Kenny Borg shares his journey from being a 250-pound football player to navigating life after sports, including the challenges of injury, identity shifts, and the transition into entrepreneurship and coaching. He discusses the importance of community, the impact of fatherhood, and his passions for wolves and tea, emphasizing the integration of these elements into his professional life. Kenny reflects on the lessons learned through his experiences and the significance of trusting the process of personal growth.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:59 Reflecting on Athletic Identity and Transition
06:10 The Impact of Injury on Career and Identity
09:10 Navigating Life After Football
12:05 Entrepreneurial Journey and Lessons Learned
14:57 The Role of Coaching in Personal Growth
18:03 Exploring Coaching and Mentorship
21:07 Fatherhood and Its Challenges
24:07 Passions Beyond Coaching: Wolves and Tea
26:53 Integrating Passions into Professional Life
29:50 Future Aspirations and Community Building
32:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Relevant Links & Contact
https://www.kennyborg.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennyborg/
https://wolfconnection.org/

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40min

FAQs about The Next Playbook:

How many episodes does The Next Playbook have?

The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.