Othello "OT" Johnson was born in Liberia and has an amazing story of survival, persistence, endurance, and the will to live well! He's a childhood friend of Wells and is currently in his 10th season at the helm of the UNCP wrestling program, having already turned in five of the finest seasons in its history. He's a husband and father to two beautiful girls and his story will leave you inspired, encouraged, and more grateful for the gift of life!    

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Natalie Allport is a former national team snowboarder, pro athlete, and lifelong entrepreneur. She runs a digital marketing agency, 93 Agency, has over a decade of experience in social media marketing and personal branding, and is passionate about helping athletes and entrepreneurs build their brands and businesses in the same way she did. 

Natalie calls athletes to be ALL IN on her podcast and platform, which shares high-performance tips on business, wellness, marketing, and life, as well as interviewing top athletes, entrepreneurs, and high-performers. Her hope and desire is to inspire motivated individuals to take action in their own lives and go ALL IN on creating the life they deserve. Natalie has been featured by several notable media outlets on her athletic, educational, and entrepreneurial pursuits.

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Growing up in the mountains of Virginia to climbing mountains in the Tour de France - Pro Cyclist Ben King shares his journey through the ups and downs as a pro cyclist and the significant transitions he experienced along the way! Cycling gives you the opportunity to explore your world and King was introduced to the sport through his father, who also rode professionally. Cycling created freedom at a young age for King and he matched that freedom with his strong desire to compete which has propelled him to elite levels and world tour of professional cycling!

"Every time that I took a step up in the sport it was like being a freshman all over again. Getting my face smashed in and struggling just to finish races… but it always just motivated me to work harder, to learn more." (3:10)

"I would tell myself the same thing that people were telling me, my coaches and mentors, to trust in the process. You will get beat, and you will be discouraged, but just to trust that if you keep working, getting up every day and training, eventually you’ll see the improvements." (36:26)

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Highlights from the Show: Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Michael moved to the Washington, D.C. area with his family at the age of six (tune in to hear this incredible story). Our stories are the most powerful things that we have about us. What do you do if you’re a refugee as a 6-year-old and now you have to start a new life in America? It wasn’t until I found the commonality that I experienced in Africa, soccer, that gave my life and gave me direction. Soccer was my way out, was my way forward. I chose Wake Forest University because I wanted to make history! Surrounding yourself with mentors who see your story and invite you to be the best version of yourself you can be What helped me to have peace of mind and get settled in was to remember my story. Retirement: I now know who I am, without the soccer ball. It’s what’s allowing me to walk away from the game and transition into what's next. I can say 'thank you' soccer for everything you’ve afforded me. I don't need you in the same way I did before. In order to transition well, you have to start that process while you’re playing, Vulnerability creates connection. Connection creates commitment. 

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You never know what will come up next, like in sport, life changes and moves quickly and slowly at the same time. Hear Michael's story of playing professional football and how that prepared him for his "2nd career." He drops some wisdom from the ups and downs in his youth, as a pro and now as an entrepreneur and founder of Sphere. 

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Amobi Okugo is an entrepreneur, pro athlete, educator, and the founder of A Frugal Athlete network. 

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Welcome to the first episode of The SHIFT Podcast, assisting athletes through successful transitions in sport and life. In this episode we hear from our co-host, Wells Thompson, who shares his story of growing up in NC, being kidnapped at 16, 'walking-on' the men's soccer team at Wake Forest University, to eventually being drafted by the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. We also explore the harsh realities of transitioning to life after playing professionally and the process of learning how to make the most of the smalls moments in life.

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