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 66 episodes available.

The Next Playbook episodes:

September 01, 2026 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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44min
August 18, 2026 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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37min
August 04, 2026 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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51min
July 21, 2026 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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1h 6min
July 07, 2026 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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38min
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
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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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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
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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

FAQs about The Next Playbook:

How many episodes does The Next Playbook have?

The podcast currently has 66 episodes available.