The Next Playbook

The Next Playbook

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The Next Playbook episodes

  • Top of the Mountain: Erin Cafaro on the Cost of Winning

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    Summary

    In this conversation, Erin Cafaro shares her journey from a young athlete with diverse interests to becoming an Olympic champion in rowing. She discusses the importance of varied athletic experiences, the challenges of transitioning from competition to life after sports, and the psychological impacts of Olympic success. Erin emphasizes the need for athletes to prepare for life beyond their sport and highlights the resources available for those navigating this transition. 


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:59 The Importance of Diverse Athletic Experiences

    06:08 Transitioning to Rowing and Early Success

    09:06 Becoming an Olympian: The Journey

    11:59 The Reality of Olympic Success

    14:46 Post-Olympic Reflections and Challenges

    17:58 Resources for Transitioning Athletes

    23:23 Navigating Athlete Transitions

    26:15 The Journey into Psychology and Research

    30:18 Goals in Neuropsychology and Athlete Support

    34:27 Preparing for Retirement: Resources and Advice

    39:06 Reflections on Early Athletic Experiences


    Relevant Links & Contact

    https://www.instagram.com/erincafaro/?hl=en

    https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/neurosurgery/brainsport


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    47 min
  • Retirement Means Something Different: Tony Meier on His Transition

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    Summary

    In this conversation, Tony shares his journey of transitioning from a professional basketball player to civilian life. He discusses the emotional complexities of retirement, the importance of maintaining a connection with sports, and the positive aspects of life after athletics. Tony emphasizes the need for self-reflection, networking, and financial literacy as crucial elements for a successful transition. He also highlights the valuable interpersonal skills gained from sports that can be applied in the workplace. Overall, the discussion provides insights and advice for athletes navigating their post-sport careers.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:48 The Transition from Athlete to Civilian Life

    05:53 Understanding Retirement and Identity

    08:48 Coping with Grief and Loss

    12:12 Maintaining a Relationship with Basketball

    14:47 Positive Aspects of Transitioning

    17:57 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

    21:12 Preparing for Life After Sports

    24:05 The Role of Financial Planning

    27:04 Skills Gained from Sports

    30:05 Navigating Professional Pressures

    33:12 Integrating into New Environments

    36:12 Reflecting on the Last Game

    39:08 Advice for Future Athletes

    42:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Relevant Links & Contact

    Instagram: @tlmeier21 or @homeiswherethehoopis 

    LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/tony-meier-mba-35b327b3

    Company site: https://www.granitefgllc.com/


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    45 min
  • It Takes People: Finding What's Next with Leah Amico

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    Summary

    In this conversation, Leah Amico shares her journey from being a three-time Olympic gold medalist to navigating life after sports. She discusses the challenges athletes face in transitioning to new careers, the importance of identifying core values, and how her athletic experiences shaped her approach to personal and professional growth. Leah emphasizes the significance of being coachable, the impact of mentorship, and the daily choice of striving for excellence in all endeavors. 


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    03:02 Transitioning from Athletics to New Opportunities

    05:52 Finding Core Values and Identity

    09:00 The Impact of Athletic Experience on Future Endeavors

    12:03 Navigating Life After Sports

    15:11 Lessons from Olympic Success

    18:02 The Transition from College to Elite Competition

    19:28 The Challenge of Returning Home After the Olympics

    22:42 Navigating Family Life and Athletic Legacy

    24:51 Encouraging the Next Generation in Sports

    25:19 Exploring New Career Paths After Athletics

    28:21 The Journey into Public Speaking

    30:01 The Role of a Sports Analyst and Broadcaster

    32:30 Writing the Book: The Gold Standard

    35:26 Reflecting on Pivotal Moments in Sports

    37:43 Setting Future Goals and Vision Board Insights


    Relevant Links & Contact

    LeahAmico.com

    IG: @Leah Amico 

    Linkedin: Leah Amico OLY

    Podcast: The Gold Standard with Leah Amico


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    44 min
  • Don't Do It Alone: Shane Fisher on Becoming an Entrepreneur

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    Summary

    In this conversation, Shane discusses the challenges faced by Olympic athletes in gaining visibility and support outside of the Olympic Games. He shares his experiences and insights on building a community through the American Paragons Foundation, which aims to provide resources and opportunities for athletes. Shane emphasizes the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and collaboration among athletes to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. He also highlights the need for a cultural shift in how society supports and values athletes, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive environment.


    Chapters

    00:00 The Challenge of Athlete Visibility

    07:47 Building a Supportive Community for Athletes

    16:12 The Importance of Mentorship

    22:20 Personal Growth Through Athletic Pursuits

    25:16 The Vision for American Paragons

    27:50 Connecting with Athletes and Supporters

    30:38 Exploring Olympic Sports

    32:14 The Essence of American Paragons


    Relevant Links & Contact

    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-fisher-usa/

    IG: www.instagram.com/paragonsusa

    TikTok: @paragons.usa

    YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AmericanParagons

    Web: www.AmericanParagons.org


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    37 min
  • The Garbage First Draft: John Lund on Trying Something New

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    Summary

    In this engaging conversation, John Lund shares his unique journey from being a shy, overweight kid to becoming a world champion rower. Lund reflects on the challenges of transitioning to rowing, the mindset required to thrive in a sport that demands perseverance, and his unexpected success in indoor rowing competitions. His story emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the power of saying 'yes' to new opportunities. Lund also highlights the art of storytelling and the significance of engaging an audience, drawing parallels between his athletic experiences and his current pursuits. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to give themselves permission to fail and to pursue interests outside of their primary sport.


    Chapters

    00:00 Cultural Insights: Life in the Nordic Region

    05:51 The Path to Rowing: From Shy Kid to Athlete

    08:49 The Mindset of a Rower: Embracing Pain and Progress

    11:56 Transitioning to Indoor Rowing: A New Challenge

    15:01 Becoming a World Champion: The Journey Continues

    20:23 The Journey of Continuous Learning

    25:27 Overcoming Adversity: The Achilles Story

    31:04 Finding New Passions After Sports

    34:18 Embracing the Novice Mindset

    39:10 The Art of Storytelling and Public Speaking

    48:00 The Importance of Trying and Failing


    Relevant Links & Contact

    LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/johnjlund 

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/WifeCarrying 

    IG: www.instagram.com/vikingjohann 


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    51 min
  • Who Am I: Noemi Zaharia on a Life Worth Living

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    Summary

    In this conversation, Dr. Noemi Zaharia shares her journey as a two-time Olympian and the impact of her family, particularly her grandparents, on her athletic career. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from athlete to coach, the realities of post-Olympic life, and the importance of personal choice in her journey. The conversation highlights the dedication and mindset required to excel in sports, as well as the support systems that play a crucial role in an athlete's success. She emphasizes the need for athletes transitioning from sports to explore various paths and the value of Olympic-level characteristics in leadership. Dr. Zaharia also reflects on the challenges of finding identity after sports and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

    03:09 Marriage to an Olympian

    06:02 Early Swimming Journey

    08:55 Olympic Aspirations and Achievements

    11:50 Influence of Family and Values

    14:53 Post-Olympic Reality and Challenges

    18:09 Transition to Coaching and New Opportunities

    28:28 Relinquishing Control in Coaching

    30:36 Lessons from Influential Coaches

    34:44 The Journey of Education and Empowerment

    39:13 Advice for Athletes Transitioning from Sports

    44:15 Olympic-Level Characteristics and Leadership

    51:21 Empowering Olympians and Legacy

    55:49 Finding Identity After Sports

    Social / Website:

    LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/noemi-zaharia-edd-oly-79ab018b

    Instagram: noemi_oly

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    1 hr 6 min
  • Build Your Network: Chris Kinney's Key to Transition

    Summary

    In this conversation, Chris Kinney shares his remarkable journey from being a track and field athlete to transitioning into bobsledding and ultimately representing the United States at the Olympics. He discusses the challenges he faced, including the pressure of corporate sponsorships, the competitive nature of the sport, and the emotional rollercoaster of qualifying for the Olympic team. Chris also reflects on his experiences during the Olympics, the importance of building a network, and his transition into a career in sports management after retiring from competition. His story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams on his own terms.


    Relevant Links & Contact

    IG: Kai_kun24 

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stopher-kinney/


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    38 min
  • 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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    49 min
  • 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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    1 hr 1 min
  • The Comeback: Rachel Miller on Why It's Always Available

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    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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    47 min

About The Next Playbook

From the publisher's feed

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…